US Air Strikes in Syria: A Quick Take
WASHINGTON — The U.S. military dropped a few aerial hits on Tuesday (Aug 23) in Syria’s Deir al‑Zor, striking bases run by Iran‑backed groups tied to the Revolutionary Guards. The move came while the U.S. is eyeing a EU draft that could bring the 2015 nuclear deal back into play — a deal that former President Trump scrapped and current President Biden is hoping to resurrect.
What’s the Deal with These Strikes?
Central Command said the strikes were all about shielding U.S. troops from potential attacks by Iran‑affiliated militias. A key incident on Aug 15, reported by Reuters, involved a drone ambush on a coalition‑run compound. No one got hurt, but the threat was real.
- “The president gave the direction for these strikes,” Army Col. Joe Buccino told reporters.
- Command called the action “proportionate, deliberate, and designed to cap escalation and keep casualties at bay.”
- No details on casualties or whether the strikes were from manned or unmanned planes were released.
History of U.S. Air Power in the Region
It’s not the first time U.S. jets have taken a nosedive on Iran‑backed targets in Iraq and Syria.
- June last year saw U.S. planes hit operational and weapons sites in two Syrian spots and a third in Iraq.
- U.S. involvement actually kicked off under Obama, partnering with the Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces during the IS campaign.
- About 900 U.S. soldiers are currently stationed in Syria, most in the eastern part of the country.
Mysterious Militia Moves
Iran‑linked militias have carved out a stronghold in Syria, especially in the Deir al‑Zor province west of the Euphrates.
These forces rely on supplies from Iraq, passing through the al‑Bukamal border crossing, and they back President Bashar al‑Assad’s regime — a move that doesn’t sit well with U.S. objectives.
Bottom Line
The U.S. is playing a tactical game to keep its troops safe while eyeing a potential nuclear reset with Iran. Even as politics swirl, the secret weapons of air power keep hitting the mark — whether manned or unmanned, the details may stay under wraps, but the message is clear: the U.S. is not taking stupid chances.
