Iranian drone attacks US military base - F-15E Strike Eagle fighters retaliate
The United States struck facilities in eastern Syria belonging to forces affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This was in response to an attack on a US base in Syria.
Here's What We Know
The US strike was in response to an Iranian-made kamikaze drone attacking a coalition force base in northeastern Syria, which resulted in the death of one soldier. Five more servicemen were wounded.
The US retaliated with fourth-generation F-15E Strike Eagle fighters. The order was issued by Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on behalf of US President Joe Biden. The Pentagon chief stressed that Biden had made it clear that the United States would take all measures to protect its people at any time, anywhere. No group will strike US troops with impunity.
Below is a statement from the CENTCOM Commander on the precision strikes in response to American casualties in Syria. pic.twitter.com/MIJeQh1VtD
- U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 24, 2023
The F-15E Strike Eagle struck two sites associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The fighters fired 10 missiles. Initial estimates are that both targets were destroyed. This was announced by US Air Force spokesman Pat Ryder. However, he refused to specify whether the air defence system at the US base where the kamikaze drone flew was operational.
A drone strike in Syria that killed a U.S. contractor and injured five troops and a contractor yesterday is part of a series of recent attacks.
- J.p. Lawrence (@JpLawrence3) March 24, 2023
Publicly announced attacks against U.S. forces in Syria show at least nine such strikes since August, with now 1 dead and 11 injured pic.twitter.com/3Uqzh6REvA
Earlier The New York Times quoted two US officials as saying that the air defence system was not fully operational at the time of the Iranian drone attack. The reason was not specified.
Source: NY Times, The War Zone, Pentagon
