US launches airstrike in Syria
Following fatal rocket attack
The US military carried out an airstrike in Syria on February 1, 2025, in retaliation for a deadly rocket attack that killed at least five US soldiers and injured several others. The rocket attack, which occurred near a US base in northeastern Syria, is believed to have been launched by Iranian-backed militia groups operating in the region.
The attack on the US base marks the latest escalation in a growing series of tensions between US forces and Iranian-backed militias in Syria, which have been active in the region for several years.
According to Pentagon officials, the airstrike targeted specific weapons storage facilities and infrastructure used by these militia groups in eastern Syria. This region has become a focal point of US military presence in the Middle East.
A Pentagon statement following the airstrike emphasised that the action was “a measured and deliberate response” to defend US forces against further aggression. “We will not tolerate attacks on our personnel and will take decisive action to protect our forces and interests,” said a senior US defence official.
The attack came just hours after US President Donald Trump addressed the nation, condemning the strike and promising retaliation. “Our service members are not and will never be a target of hostile actors. We will act swiftly and decisively to hold those responsible accountable,” the president stated.
Iran, which has long supported militia groups in Syria, has yet to comment directly on the US airstrike. However, the Iranian government has consistently denied any involvement in attacks against US forces in the region despite mounting evidence of militia activity backed by Tehran.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among international observers, with many fearing that the attack could signal an even more significant escalation of hostilities between the US and Iran in the volatile Middle East region. Experts suggest that both sides may enter a dangerous period of brinkmanship, where minor incidents could lead to more significant conflicts.
In the aftermath of the airstrike, the US military has reinforced its presence in Syria, and additional security measures have been implemented at US bases across the region. The situation remains tense, with many wondering whether diplomatic efforts will be enough to avert a full-scale confrontation.
Image: The US airstrike targeted specific weapons storage facilities and infrastructure used by militia groups in eastern Syria. Credit: Pentagon
Last Updated on 1 week by News Desk 2
