On Sunday, a drone attack targeted a base in eastern Syria where U.S. troops were housed. This attack resulted in the death of six Kurdish fighters who were allied with the United States. Notably, this is the first significant attack to occur in Syria or Iraq since the U.S. launched retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militias that had been targeting American forces in the region.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is a Kurdish-led group backed by the U.S., confirmed on Monday that the attack had occurred at the al-Omar base in Syria’s Deir el-Zour province. The base serves as a training ground for the SDF’s commando units. Fortunately, no U.S. troops were harmed during the incident.
Taking responsibility for the drone attack, a video released by an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq showed the launch of a drone from an undisclosed location.
This particular group had previously conducted a similar drone attack in late January, resulting in the death of three U.S. troops and numerous injuries at a desert base in Jordan. As a response, the U.S. military initiated numerous retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militant groups in western Iraq and eastern Syria. Additionally, strikes were carried out against the Houthis in Yemen.
Initially, the SDF suspected “Syrian regime-backed mercenaries” to be responsible for Sunday’s attack. However, after conducting a thorough investigation, they concluded that “Iran-backed militias” were the actual perpetrators.
Over time, this umbrella group has conducted numerous drone attacks on U.S. military bases and troops in both Iraq and Syria. They have consistently advocated for the withdrawal of American soldiers from both countries.
Flaring Tensions in the Middle East Amidst Israel-Hamas War
Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, tensions continue to rise in the Middle East. This escalation was triggered by Hamas’ destructive actions in southern Israel on October 7th.
Attack Claims Lives of SDF Fighters
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based opposition war monitor, a recent attack resulted in the deaths of at least seven SDF fighters. Moreover, a significant number of individuals were wounded, with some in critical condition. The attack took place late on Sunday.
U.S. Strikes and SDF’s Right to Respond
Just two days prior to the attack, the U.S. military conducted strikes on militant targets associated with Iran in both Syria and Iraq. In response, the SDF declared that it possesses the right to retaliate against this assault.
U.S. Navy Ships and Merchant Vessels Protected
In an act of self-defense, the U.S. Central Command reported that it successfully targeted and destroyed four anti-ship missiles on Sunday. These missiles were positioned in Houthi rebel-controlled areas in Yemen, with a clear intention to launch an attack on vessels in the Red Sea. The U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region were deemed to be under imminent threat.
Degrading Houthi Capabilities
Continuing their efforts to prevent further attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, both the United States and Britain launched a subsequent wave of strikes against the Houthis. These strikes aim to strategically weaken the Iranian-backed group and impair their ability to carry out such assaults. In total, 36 Houthi targets were hit by this joint operation.
