Pentagon vows to take all necessary measures to protect U.S. personnel
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. will take all necessary measures to protect American forces in the region and deter any future attacks on U.S. personnel, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said on Wednesday.
On Jan. 28, three U.S. troops were killed and 34 others were injured in a one-way drone attack that hit an American base in northeastern Jordan, near the Syrian border, said the U.S. Central Command in press release. Hours after the attack, Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias claimed responsibility for it.
During an interview with Alhurra TV, when questioned about the U.S.’ decision not to retaliate against the Jordan attack and strike the Islamic Resistance, Ryder responded by saying that actions speak louder than words.
He added that U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin have stated that the United States will respond to the attack and take all necessary measures to protect American forces.
Biden said on Jan. 28 following the attack, “We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt – we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing.”
Ryder emphasized that the U.S. does not want to see an escalation or a broader conflict in the region, but that they are committed to protecting American forces.
He stated that the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria is part of the U.S.-led Global Coalition’s mission to combat and defeat the Islamic State (ISIS).
He further added that ISIS still represents a significant threat, citing the Jan. 4 ISIS attack in Iran which killed nearly 100 people.
He stressed that U.S. forces are present in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government, but when attacked, the United States will take the necessary measures to protect them and deter future attacks.