US Military Airstrikes on Iran-Linked Military Facilities in Eastern Syria

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Min-young] The U.S. military reportedly struck Iranian-related military facilities in Syria, according to AFP and other sources on the 24th (local time).

According to reports, the U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes on infrastructure facilities related to the Iranian elite Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Deir ez-Zor province in eastern Syria on the same day.

In a statement, Central Command confirmed the airstrikes and said, "It was necessary to protect and defend U.S. service members," adding, "The airstrikes were a proportional and deliberate measure. They deterred the risk of escalating tensions and minimized the risk of casualties."

Central Command also added that the airstrikes were a response to drone attacks by Iranian-linked forces on bases used by the U.S.-led international coalition and Syrian opposition forces in Syria on the 15th.

Central Command did not disclose detailed operational information such as whether there were casualties in the airstrikes or whether drones or bombers were deployed.

However, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group of the Syrian civil war, claimed that at least six people, including Syrians, were killed in the attack. The airstrikes are notable as they could provoke Iranian backlash amid the ongoing negotiations to restore the nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), which has recently seen some progress.

Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden is reported to be reviewing a draft agreement proposed by the European Union (EU) related to the restoration of the nuclear deal.