CENTCOM targets facility of Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early on Wednesday that it had conducted a strike on a weapons storage facility in Syria in retaliation for an attack by an Iranian-backed militia that targeted U.S. forces.
CENTCOM explained that the strike was aimed at weakening the capability of Iranian-backed militias to plan and execute future attacks against U.S. and Global Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct operations against the Islamic State (ISIS).
A local source said on Tuesday evening that unidentified aircraft carried out two airstrikes on a joint base used by the Iranian-backed Afghan Liwa Fatemiyoun militia and Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas Brigade on the outskirts of al-Mayadin desert in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor.
The source indicated that the attack caused a power outage at the site, and fires broke out within the facility. Military vehicles were seen leaving the area and heading toward the city center.
However, the source could not confirm the extent of casualties or material damage due to the tight security around the location.
General Michael Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, emphasized the U.S. commitment to defending its personnel and partners, stating, “As previously stated, we will not tolerate any attacks on our personnel or coalition partners. We are committed to taking all necessary actions to ensure their protection.”
CENTCOM also noted that they did not believe the strike resulted in any civilian casualties, although a damage assessment is still underway, with updates expected as more information becomes available.