US Military Bases in Syria Targeted in Drone Attacks
Last week, tensions escalated in the Middle East as two US military bases in Syria were hit by drone attacks, resulting in minor injuries, according to multiple reports.
The al-Tanf Garrison military base in southern Syria was the target of two drones on October 18, as confirmed by the Pentagon.
During the attack, US and coalition forces successfully destroyed one drone, but the other managed to impact the base, causing minor injuries to coalition forces, revealed Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder in a press briefing on October 19.
Another drone attack reportedly targeted the Conoco gas field in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor, where US troops are stationed. However, there has been no official confirmation of this attack.
Omar Abu Layla, a Syrian expert and activist based in Europe who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 news outlet, stated that three explosive-laden drones struck the Conoco gas field, as reported by the Associated Press.
Mr. Layla also shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, on October 19 that “explosions of unknown origin have been heard” near the gas facility where US forces are based.
Drone Attacks Targeting US Forces in Iraq
These attacks follow a series of drone strikes against US and coalition bases in Iraq over the past few days. The region has been simmering with anger since an explosion at a Gaza hospital claimed the lives of hundreds of people.
On October 18, US and coalition troops engaged two drones at the Ain al-Assad air base in Iraq and another at a base in northern Iraq. The al-Assad attack resulted in injuries to some members of the coalition forces.
Brig. Gen. Ryder revealed that personnel at the al-Assad base had to seek shelter when early warning systems detected a potential threat. Although no attack occurred, a US civilian contractor tragically suffered a cardiac episode and passed away.
On October 19, the US Navy vessel USS Carney successfully shot down three land-attack cruise missiles and several drones over the Red Sea. These projectiles were launched by Houthi forces in Yemen and were potentially aimed at targets in Israel, according to Brig. Gen. Ryder.
The USS Carney in the Mediterranean Sea on Oct. 23, 2018. (Mass Communication Spc. 1st Class Ryan U. Kledzik/U.S. Naval Forces Europe–Africa via AP)
“Information about these engagements is still being processed, and we cannot say for certain what these missiles and drones were targeting, but they were launched from Yemen, heading north along the Red Sea, potentially toward targets in Israel,” Brig. Gen. Ryder stated.
Brig. Gen. Ryder clarified that there is currently no indication that these attacks on US and allied forces are connected to the ongoing Israel–Hamas War.
“We’re continuing to assess the nature of these attacks,” he said. “In the past, we have seen Iranian-backed militia conduct these types of things. But as of right now, I don’t have any specifics to provide.”
The Pentagon did not disclose any potential response to these attacks but emphasized that it will take all necessary actions to defend US and coalition forces against any threat.
“Any response, should one occur, will come at a time and in a manner of our choosing,” Brig. Gen. Ryder added.
These attacks coincide with the United States’ efforts to provide security and humanitarian aid to Israel following the October 7 attacks by the Hamas terrorist group.
Violence has surged across the Middle East since then, with terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah inciting Muslims to target and harm Jews and Americans.
Much of the violence directed at US and Israeli embassies in the region stems from outrage over a deadly explosion at the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza on October 17. Initially, the Palestinian Authority claimed that the blast was caused by an Israeli airstrike.
Israel has also released drone footage of the incident, which shows no impact crater from a missile or bomb, further supporting their claim of non-involvement.
Andrew Thornebrooke and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
How are drone attacks impacting the ongoing conflict in Syria and the presence of US military bases in the region?
The second attack targeted the Eshkol Base in northeastern Syria, near the border with Iraq, on the same day. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the base was hit by several unidentified drones, but no further details have been provided.
This is not the first time US military bases in Syria have been subjected to drone attacks. In the past, both US and coalition forces have been targeted by drones, typically launched by Iranian-backed militias. These attacks are part of the ongoing conflict in Syria and are aimed at undermining the presence and operations of international forces in the country.
Drone attacks have become a preferred tactic for non-state actors due to their low cost, accessibility, and ability to evade traditional defense systems. Drones can be equipped with explosives or used for surveillance purposes, making them versatile tools in modern warfare.
The attacks on US military bases in Syria highlight the complex security situation in the country. Despite the defeat of ISIS and the ongoing conflict between the Syrian government and various rebel groups, Syria remains a volatile region with multiple stakeholders vying for control.
The presence of US military bases in Syria has been a contentious issue, with some criticizing it as an infringement of Syrian sovereignty. However, the US argues that its presence is necessary to combat terrorism and protect its interests in the region.
In response to the recent drone attacks, the US has reiterated its commitment to defending its personnel and interests in Syria. Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder condemned the attacks and stated that the US will continue to take necessary measures to protect its forces.
It remains to be seen how the US will respond to these latest drone attacks and what impact they will have on the ongoing conflict in Syria. As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is crucial for all parties involved to find a diplomatic solution to the complex issues plaguing Syria and work towards stability and peace.
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