An Oil Facility in Syria Targeted by Drone Attack from 'Iran-Supported Groups'

An oil facility housing American forces and a base for these troops in eastern Syria was targeted by a drone attack on Thursday, October 19. The Associated Press, citing Syrian opposition activists, did not mention any potential casualties from the attack. As of the time of this report, the United States had not reacted to this attack. Omar Abu Laila, head of the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet based in Europe, stated that three explosive-laden drones attacked the 'Konoko' gas field in eastern Deir Ezzor province near the border with Iraq. Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights based in the UK, reported hearing five explosions at the 'Konoko' gas field. The Syrian Observatory also reported a drone attack on the Al-Tanf base in eastern Syria, near the convergence of the borders of Syria, Iraq, and Jordan. This monitoring organization added that two of the three drones were shot down before reaching the Al-Tanf base, and the third drone caused financial damage upon striking the base. According to assessments from both sources, these attacks were likely carried out by militants established by the Islamic Republic of Iran in eastern Syria and western Iraq. Meanwhile, the United States announced on Wednesday that it had thwarted drone attacks on its bases at Ain al-Asad Airbase in Anbar province and also in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. Last week, Iranian-backed armed groups threatened that if Washington intervened in support of Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza, they would target American interests with missiles and drones. The Pentagon has sent air defense systems and ammunition to Israel to support its closest ally in the Middle East, but American forces have not joined this war. The United States has sanctioned 20 individuals and entities linked to Iran's missile and drone program. Exclusive: An Israeli army spokesman stated that the Islamic Republic is spending people's money on Hamas and militias. One Hezbollah member was killed in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon. The death toll from a drone attack on a military academy in Syria has exceeded 110, leaving dozens dead and injured.