US Airstrikes Target Iranian-Backed Militias in Syria Again

On Sunday evening, November 7, news agencies reported that the United States conducted another airstrike against Iranian-backed militia positions in Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria. The Jerusalem Post, citing initial reports from Syrian media, including opposition and pro-Assad sources, reported that US forces targeted the positions of Iranian-supported militias in Al-Bukamal, located in the Deir ez-Zor region. The Jerusalem Post also reported local sources stating that hours before the US strikes, at least one rocket attack occurred against US forces stationed in Deir ez-Zor. Some media sources on the social network 'X' also reported Israeli airstrikes on targets in southern Syria early Tuesday morning. The Israeli army announced on the social network X that in response to the Sunday morning attacks against Israel, an Israeli Air Force plane targeted military infrastructure in Syria. Iranian state news agencies, including Tasnim and Fars, reported in the late hours of Sunday, Middle Eastern time, that explosions were heard from within the US military base in the Al-Omar area of Deir ez-Zor. These agencies later reported that the US military base in Al-Shaddadi in eastern Hasakah was also targeted. On Thursday evening, November 4, the United States had previously targeted the positions and facilities of Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria in response to repeated attacks by these militias against US forces in Iraq and Syria. The President of the United States stated that US military forces are 'prepared to take further actions' if necessary in connection with attacks by Iranian proxy groups on US outposts and positions. Joe Biden announced this in a letter to US congressional leaders on November 5. He noted that the purpose of these attacks was deterrence and was carried out in a manner that limited the risk of escalating tensions and prevented civilian casualties. The US President added, 'I conducted these attacks to protect and defend our forces, disrupt ongoing attacks against the United States and our partners, and deter Iran and Iranian-backed militia groups from carrying out or supporting further attacks on US forces and facilities.' Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, also emphasized Biden's statements in an interview with ABC News aired on Sunday, November 7, stating that the United States would respond to attacks from Iran and its proxy groups. According to officials, since the outbreak of the Hamas-Israel war in Gaza on October 7, US forces in Iraq and Syria have been repeatedly targeted. These attacks have so far resulted in injuries to four US military personnel and five military contractors. Iranian security officials told Reuters that Iran's strategy is for proxy forces in the Middle East, like Hezbollah, to carry out limited attacks against targets in Israel and US bases, while avoiding escalating tensions that could lead to direct involvement by the Islamic Republic. Iranian officials, who initially referred to the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel as a victory, have gradually denied any direct involvement of the Islamic Republic in the attacks by Hamas and other so-called 'resistance' groups against US and Israeli interests as US threats have intensified. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in at least 1,400 deaths and over 200 hostages taken, Israel has intensified its blockade of Gaza and launched air, sea, and ground attacks against Hamas positions. The United States, the European Union, Japan, and Israel have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. The White House stated that the goal of the US attack on Iranian facilities in Syria was to prevent further attacks. The US retaliatory strike against Iranian proxy militia positions in Syria was ordered by Biden in response to drone and missile attacks by these militias. Biden warned the 'Ayatollah' that continued attacks on US positions would not go unanswered. The White House confirmed that the US would respond to attacks by Iran and its proxy groups. Biden stated that after the attack on Iranian proxy forces, the US is prepared to take further actions. The Pentagon reported that it destroyed an arms depot and important ammunition storage facilities of the IRGC. Amir Abdollahian warned against 'opening new fronts in the region' against Israel. The Pentagon stated that the damage from the attack on the Erbil airbase was minor. The White House indicated that the US is utilizing all resources to free hostages held by Hamas. In response to attacks by Iranian-affiliated militias, the US deployed 900 new troops to the Middle East.