The militant groups, primarily under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have conducted almost 50 attacks on bases housing U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria since October 17. In response, the U.S. carried out airstrikes on Iranian-backed groups in eastern Syria, marking the third retaliation in about two weeks. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the strikes were to safeguard U.S. personnel and interests. The attacks were in areas utilized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iran-aligned militias. Approximately 56 U.S. personnel sustained injuries in these attacks, mostly minor, with all returning to duty. The tensions relate to regional conflicts, including Israel’s actions against Hamas and groups’ vows of retribution against U.S. support for Israel.
Escalating Retaliation: U.S. Airstrikes in Response to Militant Attacks in Iraq and Syria
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