Is Now The Time For The U.S. To Drawdown Its Military Forces From Syria?

C. William Walldorf, Jr., Real Clear Wire: Time to Drawdown From Syria 

As part of the fallout from the war in Gaza, U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq have come under attack more than fifty times from Iranian-backed militias since early October. At least fifty-six military personnel have been injured. In response, the U.S. launched retaliatory air strikes and has sent about 900 more troops to the region. 

This bolstering of forces is the wrong move. In fact, the U.S. is overdue to drawdown its forces from Syria. 

Why drawdown completely? The answer is simple. The small contingent of U.S. forces in Syria, especially, are sitting ducks for further attacks in support of missions where the costs of continuing those missions now far outstrip their strategic benefits. Recent attacks bring this mismatch between costs and benefits into sharp relief. These incidents should also serve as a warning for potential dangers if U.S. policy fails to change course.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The U.S. is not going to withdraw any of its forces from Syria. Especially now. The mindset in Washington DC right now is that any withdrawal of US forces in the Middle East will be seen as a sign of weakness .... and they are probably right.

US Forces In Syria And Iraq Have Been Attacked 57 Times Since Mid-October

An image of an air strike on the Maysulun weapons storage facility in eastern Syria. The strike was in response to a series of attacks on U.S. personnel in recent weeks in Iraq and Syria. Department of Defense © Department of Defense

FOX News: US forces in Syria and Iraq attacked 57 times since mid-October: Defense official 

The official told Fox News that three of those attacks have taken place on Wednesday, when rockets were fired toward Mission Support Site Green Village in eastern Syria. According to the official, the rockets didn't land on base and didn't cause any injuries. 

Wednesday's attacks mark the 57th attack on U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq since Oct. 17, and there have been six since Sunday. U.S. forces on Sunday conducted precision air strikes in eastern Syria against two facilities used by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other related groups.  

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WNU Editor: 59 US troops have been injured in these attacks .... Dozens of US troops injured in attacks in Iraq, Syria (JNS).  

Update: Here is an easy prediciton. It is going to get worse .... US and Iran-backed groups trade fire in Syria. Will it get worse (Al Jazeera).

Attacks Continue Against US Forces In Syria

 

VOA: More Attacks on US Forces Following Strike on Iran-Backed Targets in Syria  

Pentagon — Iranian-backed militants have attacked U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria at least four times in the past 24 hours, raising the number of attacks to 52 in less than a month, U.S. defense officials tell VOA. 

"These attacks must stop, and if they don't stop, then we won't hesitate to do what's necessary, again, to protect the troops," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told reporters at a news conference in Seoul on Monday.

The four attacks occurred after U.S. forces carried out strikes against two Iran-linked sites in Syria late Sunday in response to attacks on American personnel. The strikes hit a training facility near Abu Kamal and a safe house near Mayadin, according to the military.  

Read more .... 

Attacks Continue Against US Forces In Syria  

Resistance hits back against US bases in Syria, multiple casualties reported -- The Cradle  

US conducts airstrikes against Iran-backed groups in Syria, retaliating for attacks on US troops -- AP 

U.S. strikes more Iran-linked sites in Syria, Pentagon says -- Axios  

US and Iran-backed groups trade fire in Syria. Will it get worse? -- Al Jazeera 

Is this the Middle East escalation we've been fearing? -- Responsible Statecraft

Iran Says 4 U.S. Soldiers Were Killed In A Missile Attack At Two Bases In Eastern Syria

TEHRAN, Nov. 13 (MNA) – Four American military forces were killed and several others were injured after two US bases in Syria came under attack on Sunday night. 

MEHR News Agency: 4 US troops killed after American bases targeted in Syria 

The US bases in Syria's Deir ez-Zur and al-Shaddadi were targeted with drones and rockets in response to US airstrikes on the cities of Al Bukamal and Al Mayadin. 

Arab sources reported that the US base situated in Syria's Koniko gas field has been attacked with 15 rockets and missiles. The attack led to the killing of four US forces. 

The US base in Syria's al-Shaddadi was also targeted with three drones.

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: It should be noted that none of this has been confirmed by the US or other Western sources.

U.S. Launches New Airstrikes On Targets Tied To Iran In Eastern Syria

 

DNYUZ/New York Times: U.S. Carries Out Another Round of Airstrikes on Targets Tied to Iran 

The United States conducted airstrikes against two facilities used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and its proxies in eastern Syria late Sunday , Pentagon officials said, in the latest retaliation for what has become a daily barrage of rocket and drone attacks against American forces in Iraq and Syria. 

Air Force F-15E fighter jets struck several buildings in Abu Kamal used for training and storing munitions, and a safe house in Mayadin used as a command headquarters. 

The strikes came just four days after American warplanes hit a munitions warehouse in eastern Syria. Pentagon officials say the two latest sets of strikes, as well as one on Oct. 27, were meant to deter Iran and the militias it supports in Syria and Iraq, which the Biden administration has blamed for the attacks.  

Read more .... 

U.S. Launches New Airstrikes On Targets Tied To Iran In Eastern Syria  

Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on Additional U.S. Military Strikes in Syria -- US Department of Defense  

US conducts airstrikes against Iran-backed groups in Syria, retaliating for attacks on US troops -- AP 

U.S. airstrikes kill Iranian proxies in Syria, officials say -- Washington Post  

US carries out two air strikes against Iran-aligned groups in Syria, official says -- Reuters  

US launches 3rd strikes on Iran-linked groups amid attacks on American soldiers: Officials -- ABC News  

U.S. strikes more Iran-linked sites in Syria, Pentagon says -- Axios

U.S. Launches Airstrikes Against Iranian-Backed Groups In Eastern Syria

 

CNN: US carries out airstrikes in eastern Syria targeting IRGC and Iranian-backed groups weapons storage facility 

The US military conducted an airstrike on a weapons storage facility in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday. 

“This precision self-defense strike is a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by IRGC-Quds Force affiliates,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. “The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.” 

The strike was conducted by two F-15s, Austin said.  

Read more .... 

 U.S. Launches Airstrikes Against Iranian-Backed Groups In Eastern Syria  

US launches airstrike on facility in Syria, Pentagon says -- AP 

US launches 2nd round of airstrikes on Iran-backed groups it says attacked American troops -- ABC News  

US Strikes Iran-linked Site In Syria: Pentagon Chief -- AFP  

US conducts airstrikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard weapons depots in Syria -- Daily Mail

Iran-Backed Militias Continue Their Attacks Against US Bases In Syria And Iraq

Iraqi Shia militias have released a video of them launching a suicide drone toward a U.S. military base.

A Palestinian flag is showed on the drone before it is launched.

More than 20 U.S. soldiers have been wounded in recent attacks on military bases in Syria and Iraq. pic.twitter.com/OB7VHDGsyb

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 28, 2023

RT: Multiple US bases attacked with missiles and drones – media  

Militias in Iraq and Syria have defied American warnings and vowed to keep up the strikes 

 Iran-backed militias have attacked four US bases in Iraq and Syria in a 24-hour period, Al-Mayadeen news reported on Sunday. The attacks came after US forces launched airstrikes against Iranian targets in both countries. 

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq announced on Sunday that it had targeted the al-Shaddadi base in eastern Syria on Saturday with two drones, and launched rockets at another American base in the al-Omar oil field near Deir ez-Zor, Lebanon-based news channel Al-Mayadeen reported.  

Read more .... 

Iran-Backed Militias Continue Their Attacks Against US Bases In Syria And Iraq  

Simultaneous attacks conducted on US bases in eastern Syria -- Anadolu Agency 

Simultaneous attacks hit 3 US bases in Syria -- Press TV  

US base in al-Omar oil field attacked -- Al Mayadeen  

Attacks On US Bases In Syria Continue Unhindered After Pentagon's Friday Airstrikes -- Zero Hedge

US Launches Airstrikes Against Syria

 

Daily Mail: America strikes back: F-16s conduct airstrikes against Iranian proxy forces in Syria in retaliation for more than a dozen rocket attacks that have injured 21 US troops since Hamas atrocities 

* Two locations in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard were hit by airstrikes in the early hours of Friday 

* The Pentagon said the strikes were in retaliation for a flurry of drone and missile attacks against U.S. bases in the region since October 17 

* Washington is sending a message to Iran and its allies not to try and take advantage of the unrest in the region due to the Israel-Hamas war 

Two Iranian-controlled sites in eastern Syria were hit by U.S. airstrikes in the early hours of Friday in retaliation for a flurry of attacks against U.S. bases in Syria and Iraq. 

The Pentagon sent two F-16 fighter jets to attack a weapons storage facility and an ammunition plant near Abu Kamal. Both sites were run by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Pentagon said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The US is also rushing to reinforce their bases in Syria .... Reinforcements pour into US bases in Syria as resistance attacks heat up (The Cradle). 

Here is an easy prediction. This escalation of strikes is not going to stop. 

 US Launches Airstrikes Against Syria  

US fighter jets strike Iran-linked sites in Syria in retaliation for attacks on US troops -- AP 

US strikes Syria bases used by Iran-linked groups -- BBC 

US strikes Iran-linked sites in Syria -- DW  

US launches strikes on Iranian-linked targets in Syria following attacks on American military bases -- The Independent 

U.S. strikes Iranian-backed militias in eastern Syria to retaliate for attacks on U.S. troops -- CBS  

US military carries out airstrikes on facilities in Syria operated by Iranian-backed forces -- FOX News  

US strikes 2 facilities linked to Iranian-backed militias in Syria following series of attacks on US forces in Middle East -- CNN 

U.S. strikes Iranian-backed ammo sites in Syria -- Politico  

US strikes Syria sites used by Iran, its proxies after attacks on American troops -- Times of Israel  

US attacks facilities in Syria linked to Iran, Pentagon says -- Al Jazeera  

US launches airstrikes on Iran militia facilities in Syria -- Al-Monitor  

US Warplanes Conduct Major Strikes On 'Iranian Proxies' In Syria -- Zero Hedge  

Kirby says US strikes on Iran proxies in Syria were ‘self-defense’ -- The Hill  

Why did the US launch airstrikes on Syria and what happens next? -- The Guardian

Drone Attacks On American Bases In Syria And Iraq Have Injured Two Dozen U.S. Military Personnel

 

NBC: Drone attacks on American bases injured two dozen U.S. military personnel  

The groups conducting the attacks are supported by Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a Pentagon spokesman said. 

Two dozen American military personnel were wounded last week in a series of drone attacks at American bases in Iraq and Syria, U.S. Central Command told NBC News on Tuesday. 

The Pentagon confirmed the attacks last week, but the number of U.S. casualties has not been previously disclosed. 

Twenty American personnel sustained minor injuries on Oct. 18 when at least two one-way attack drones targeted al-Tanf military base in southern Syria, CENTCOM said. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Iranian backed militias are taking credit for these attacks .... Iran-backed militias in Iraq claim responsibility for attack on US military base in Syria (FOX News). 

Drone Attacks On American Bases In Syria And Iraq Have Injured Two Dozen U.S. Military Personnel 

 24 U.S. troops injured in attacks since Gaza war began, officials say -- Washington Post  

US Forces in Iraq, Syria Targeted 13 Times in Past Week -- VOA 

US troops in Iraq, Syria attacked 13 times in past week, Pentagon says -- The Hill 

Pentagon Belatedly Reveals Two Dozen US Personnel Were Wounded In Spate Of Drone Attacks In Iraq, Syria -- Zero Hedge

Kremlin Says Two US F-35s ‘Came Dangerously Close’ To Two Su-35s Over Syria

EurAsian Times: BIG Encounter! US F-35, Russian Su-35 ‘Clash’ Over Syria; Moscow Says RuAF Pilots Averted Collision 

Moscow has claimed that two F-35 jets from the pro-American coalition came dangerously close to two Su-35 belonging to Russian Aerospace Forces in Syria on August 14, marking the latest episode in a series of confrontations between the US and Russian military aircraft. 

Deputy head of the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of the Warring Parties (CPVS) in Syria, Rear Admiral Vadim Kulit, alleged on August 15 that the incident occurred in the Al-Tanf area. Kulit highlighted that the Russian Su-35 fighter jets were conducting a prearranged flight along the southern border of Syria. 

“On August 14, from 12:35 to 12:50, in the Al-Tanf area at an altitude of about 9,100 meters, there was a dangerous rapprochement between two coalition F-35 fighters and two Su-35 aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which were making a planned flight along the southern border of Syria. Russian pilots, demonstrating high professionalism, took the necessary measures promptly to prevent a collision with coalition fighters,” he said.  

Read more ....  

Update: Two US fighter jets fly dangerously close to Russian military aircraft in Syria (TASS)  

WNU Editor: The Russian military says one of the F-35s locked on one of the Su-35s. The Pentagon has yet to comment on this encounter.

Kremlin Claims US Drone Locked Weapons On Russian Fighter Jets Over Syria

Russian fighter jet strikes US drone over Syria for sixth time this month © Provided by Firstpost  

RT: US drone locked weapons on Russian jets – Moscow  

The Su-34 and Su-35 planes were forced to fire flares during a dangerous encounter over Syria, a senior military official said  

A US MQ-9 Reaper surveillance and attack drone flew “dangerously close” to a pair of Russian Su-34 and Su-35 fighter jets in Syria on Wednesday, Moscow said. It was the second such incident in less than a week. 

According to Rear Admiral Oleg Gurinov, the deputy head of the Russian Reconciliation Center for Syria, the incident occurred shortly after 7:30 am local time over the northwestern Aleppo Province. He said the Russian planes automatically fired decoy flares after their radars showed that the Reaper had locked its weapons on them.  

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WNU Editor: The US has a different point of view .... Russian fighter jet strikes another American drone over Syria in the sixth incident this month (AP).  

Update: The situation is escalating (see tweet below).

🇺🇸🇸🇾 Amid tensions with Russia and Iran in Syria and the region, US Central Command released documentation of the arrival of new F-35 fighter jets to boost activity in the Middle East pic.twitter.com/dtdEWyggVA

— Sinnaig (@Sinnaig_) July 26, 2023

Russian Fighter Jet Deliberately Damages US Military Drone Over Syria

⚡️The US Air Force Central Command reports that on July 23, in the skies over Syria, a Russian Su-35S fighter aircraft performed "unsafe maneuvers" near an MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance and strike UAV. pic.twitter.com/sgo7mfXXJu

— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) July 25, 2023

CNN: Russian fighter jet damages US military drone over Syria  

A Russian fighter jet flew “dangerously close” to a US drone over Syria and damaged it with flares, according to the US Air Force, in the latest in a series of incidents between the two militaries in the Middle East. 

On Sunday, Russian jets closed to within a few meters of a US MQ-9 Reaper drone that was taking part in an anti-ISIS mission over Syria. 

One of the jets began dropping flares in front of the US drone, severely damaging its propellor, the Air Force said. The drone’s crew was able to control the aircraft and fly it back to its home base. 

“The Russian fighter’s blatant disregard for flight safety detracts from our mission to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS,” said the commander of Air Force Central Command, Lt. Gen. Alex Grynkewich.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The US has responded .... US Accuses Russia of ‘Reckless’ Action on Drone Over Syria (Bloomberg). 

This is not the first time Russia has interfered with a US drone. I think this is the fourth time in the past month where a drone incident between Russia and the US over Syria has occurred. 

As WNU mentioned last week, the Kremlin firmly believes the US is planning to attack Russian assets in Syria .... Military Tensions Rising Between The U.S. And Russia In Syria (July 18, 2023). 

Russian Fighter Jet Deliberately Damages US Military Drone Over Syria 

Russian jet damaged US drone with flares over Syria, US military says -- AP  

Video captures a Russian Su-35 fighter jet harassing and breaking a US Reaper drone by popping flares above it -- Business Insider  

Russian jet harasses armed U.S. drone over Syria for a third time this month -- NBC  

Russian fighter jet damages US Reaper drone with flare over Syria: Officials -- ABC News  

Russian fighter jet fires flares at US drone in Syria -- The Guardian  

US says Russian aircraft struck its drone with flare over Syria -- Al Jazeera 

US Reaper Drone "Severely Damaged" By Russian Jet Intercept Over Syria -- Zero Hedge

Military Tensions Rising Between The U.S. And Russia In Syria

Russian fighter flies dangerously close to US surveillance aircraft over Syria, officials say © Provided by The Hill  

IBTimes: Russian Su-35 Jet Endangers US Warplane In Tense Syria Encounter; Concerns Grow Over Escalating Aggression 

* The Russian fighter jet dangerously approached a U.S. surveillance aircraft over Syria 

* The incident marks a notable escalation in recent encounters between the U.S. and Russian aircraft in Syria 

* There have been several instances of Russian fighter jets harassing U.S. unmanned MQ-9 drones over the past few weeks

A Russian fighter jet dangerously approached a U.S. surveillance aircraft over Syria, causing it to experience wake turbulence and endangering the lives of the four American crew members onboard, U.S. officials said Monday.  

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WNU Editor: Massive U.S. military and intelligence support for Ukraine is impacting other parts of the world. That is why Russia is now convinced that the US is planning an attack on Russian military assets in Syria .... US considering ‘military options’ against Russia in Syria – Pentagon (RT). 

 Military Tensions Rising Between The U.S. And Russia In Syria  

Russian fighter flies dangerously close to US surveillance aircraft over Syria, officials say -- The Hill  

Russian jet flies 'dangerously' close to US warplane -- AP  

Russian fighter jets buzz US warplanes over Syria endangering four American crew in 'new level of unsafe behaviour' as Moscow's aggression in the skies escalates after string of encounters -- Daily Mail  

Russian fighter jet buzzes manned US warplane over Syria, threatening crew -- FOX News  

Washington reports incident between Russian, US aircraft in skies over Syria -- TASS

US-Led Coalition Building New Military Base in Northern Syria

New Arab: US-led coalition against Islamic State building new base in northern Syria 

The US-led coalition against the Islamic State group will build a new base in the northern Syrian province of Raqqa, sources close to a coalition partner force have said. 

The US-led global coalition against the Islamic State group in Syria has started to build a new military base in the northern province of Raqqa as the militant group continues to carry out attacks in the country. 

The base will be in the Al-Suwaidiyeh area west of the city of Tabqa, a source close to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a local partner of the coalition, told The New Arab’s Arabic-language sister site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. 

Plans for the new base come as coalition forces began a few weeks ago to equip a base just south of the city of Raqqa, the source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.  

Read more ....  

Update: US Building New Base in Northern Syria (Antiwar.com)  

WNU Editor: More proof that the US has no plans to leave Syria.

Former US Officials Are Urging The Biden Administration To Counter The Region's Rapprochement With Syria.

US troops patrol in the countryside of Syria’s Hasakeh province near the Turkish border, on February 18, 2023. (AFP) 

Al-Monitor: Former US officials sound alarm on Biden's Syria policy 

A group of former US officials including Marine General Kenneth "Frank" McKenzie Jr. and former Syria envoy James Jeffrey are urging the Biden administration to counter the region's rapprochement with Syria. 

WASHINGTON — As President Bashar al-Assad is gradually welcomed back into the Arab fold, a group of nearly 40 Syria experts and former US officials are calling on the Biden administration to more forcefully push back against the regime’s normalization. 

“Unconditional regime normalization is not inevitable,” they wrote in a letter Monday to President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “Opposing regime normalization in word only is not enough, as tacitly allowing it is short-sighted and damaging to any hope for regional security and stability.”  

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WNU Editor: All the people I know in the Middle East are tired of endless war, and they are doubly tired of US policy and involvement in the Middle East. In fact many now see the US as the problem, not the solution to solve the many of the problems in the region. This push by these former US officials to counter the region's rapprochement with Syria is only confirming this sentiment.

Several More Attacks Against U.S. Bases In Syria Are Being Reported. President Biden Says US Forces Will Act Forcefully To Defend Americans

 

New York Times: Conflict in Syria Escalates Following Attack That Killed a U.S. Contractor 

WASHINGTON — The conflict in northeast Syria escalated on Friday as Iran-backed militias launched a volley of rocket and drone attacks against coalition bases after American reprisals for a drone attack that killed a U.S. contractor and injured six other Americans. 

President Biden, speaking at a news conference in Canada, sought to tamp down fears that tit-for-tat strikes between the United States and militant groups could spiral out of control, while at the same time warning Tehran to rein in its proxies. 

“Make no mistake, the United States does not, does not, I emphasize, seek conflict with Iran,” Mr. Biden said in Ottawa, where he was making a state visit. “But be prepared for us to act forcefully to protect our people. That’s exactly what happened last night.”

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WNU Editor: It looks like a decision has been made to target US forces in Syria. My gut tells me that these attacks Against US forces in Syria are going to escalate. 

Several More Attacks Against U.S. Bases In Syria Are Being Reported. President Biden Says US Forces Will Act Forcefully To Defend Americans  

Several more attacks against U.S. bases in Syria after alleged Iranian drone kills American contractor, drawing airstrikes -- CBS/AP  

US combats Iranian-backed groups in Syria -- The Hill  

Biden warns Iran after U.S. forces clash with proxy groups in Syria -- Washington Post  

Syria attacks: Biden warns Iran US will ‘act forcefully’ to protect Americans -- The Guardian/Reuters 

Biden Warns Iran After Deadly Strikes in Syria -- VOA 

Pro-Iranian forces in Syria warn US of response to air strikes -- Al Jazeera 

Pro-Iranian forces in Syria warn they can respond to further U.S. strikes -- Jerusalem Post/Reuters 

A look at the US military mission in Syria and its dangers -- AP

Armed Russian Fighter Jets Have Been Circling A Major US Base In Syria Nearly Every Day For The Past Month

 

NBC News: Armed Russian jets have flown over a U.S. base in Syria nearly every day in March, U.S. commander says  

Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich told NBC News that Russian jets have violated the airspace of At Tanf Garrison roughly 25 times this month, including Wednesday. 

Armed Russian jets have flown over a U.S. military garrison in Syria nearly every day in March, violating a 4-year-old agreement between the U.S. and Russia and risking escalation, according to the U.S. general in charge of air operations in the region. 

 Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, combined forces air component commander for U.S. Central Command, told NBC News on Wednesday that the most recent Russian overflight of At Tanf Garrison (ATG) happened just a few hours earlier, and that Russian jets have violated the airspace roughly 25 times so far this month, compared to zero times in February and 14 in January.

“It is a substantial increase,” he said, explaining that at this rate they are “on track to be double what it has been in the past.”  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Russian fighter jets are circling a US airbase in Syria a week after a fiery confrontation between Russian jets and a US drone over the Black Sea: report (Insider) 

Update #2: US has seen ‘significant spike’ in aggressive Russian military flights in Syria this month, commander says (CNN)  

WNU Editor: The US is saying that Russia is violating a 2019 agreement to keep each other away from their airbases in Syria. .... US Commander: Russia Is Ignoring Syria Protocols (Newser). But in view of what is happening right now between the two countries, no one should be surprised that the old agreements and understandings between the two countries are being ignored.

Iran-Backed Fighters Fire Missiles Into Another U.S. Base In Syria. White House Says Is Not Seeking Conflict With Iran

Daily Mail: America is NOT seeking conflict with Iran, White House insists after Biden ordered deadly airstrikes on Tehran-backed militants who killed US worker in suicide drone raid and fired salvo of rockets at bases in Syria 

* Iran-backed fighters fired three missiles at US military base at Al-Omar oil field 

* US killed 11 militants in strikes after Iranian drone strike killed American 

The White House today insisted America is not seeking a conflict with Iran after President Biden launched a series of retaliatory air strikes against Tehran-backed fighters who had killed an American contractor in an Iranian suicide drone attack. 

Biden ordered the U.S. Central Command forces to launch 'precision airstrikes' against facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps in northeast Syria on Thursday, killing at least 14 pro-Iran fighters. 

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said today that the retaliatory airstrikes against the IRGC, a wing of the Iranian military which is blacklisted as a terrorist group by Washington, were aimed at protecting American personnel in Syria. 

Read more ....  

Update #1: Another attack on an American base in Syria Friday after US retaliatory airstrikes on Iranian-backed groups (ABC News)  

Update #2: US base in Syria attacked by Iranian proxy forces after retaliatory airstrikes (FOX News)  

WNU Editor: These attacks are not going to stop.

US Carries Out Multiple Air Strikes In Syria After Deadly Attack On Coalition Base Killing US Contractor And Wounding Five Service Members

Daily Mail: US contractor is killed in Iranian suicide drone strike in Syria - as Biden orders retaliation 'precision airstrikes' taking out 11 militants tied to Revolutionary Guard 

* An American contractor was killed by a suspected Iranian suicide drone 

* Five US service members and another contractor were injured 

* The Defense Department said intelligence ops determined the drone was Iranian 

An American contractor has been killed and five service members were wounded when an Iranian suicide drone struck a facility on a coalition base in northeast Syria on Thursday, the Pentagon said. 

In retaliation, President Biden ordered the U.S. Central Command forces to launch 'precision airstrikes' against facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, killing 11 pro-Iran fighters. 

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the airstrikes against the IRGC, a wing of the Iranian military which is blacklisted as a terrorist group by the US, were carried out by F-15 fighter jets.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. Expect more strikes between US and pro-Syrian/Iranian forces in this part of the Middle East. This is not an end, but a beginning to a new phase in this long-running conflict. 

US Carries Out Multiple Air Strikes In Syria After Deadly Attack On Coalition Base  

Drone strike kills US contractor in Syria; US retaliates -- AP  

Several pro-Iran fighters killed in US retaliatory strikes in Syria -- France 24  

US strikes Iran-backed facilities in Syria after drone kills American -- Reuters  

US bombs Syria targets after deadly drone attack -- BBC  

US retaliates with airstrikes in Syria after Iranian drone strike kills US contractor -- FOX News  

US conducts Syria airstrikes after drone kills US contractor -- DW  

US carries out air strikes in Syria after deadly attack on coalition base -- ABC News Australia  

US air strikes ‘kill 11’ in Syria after drone kills contractor -- Al Jazeeera

Syria Condemns U.S. General Milley's Visit To Kurdish-Held Northeast Syria

U.S. Joint Chiefs Chair Army General Mark Milley speaks with U.S. forces in Syria during an unannounced visit, at a U.S. military base in northeast Syria, March 4, 2023.  

VOA/AFP: Syria Condemns US Top General's Visit to Kurdish-Held Northeast  

Damascus, Syria — Syria's foreign ministry Sunday condemned a surprise visit by the United States' top military officer to an army base in the Kurdish-held northeast, dubbing it "illegal," state media said. 

In his snap visit Saturday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley met U.S. troops stationed in areas of war-torn Syria under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 

About 900 U.S. troops are deployed in several bases and posts across northeastern Syria as part of the fight against Islamic State group remnants. 

The official news agency SANA quoted a foreign ministry official as saying, "Syria strongly condemns the illegal visit of the American chairman of the chiefs of staff to an illegal American military base in northeast Syria."  

Read more .... 

Update: Syria condemns US general’s visit to Kurdish-held northeast (Al Jazeera). 

WNU Editor: Turkey is also not happy with this visit .... Turkey Summons U.S. Envoy Over Top General's Syria Visit (Reuters). More here .... Ankara summons US envoy over top US soldier’s visit to N Syria (Hurriyet Daily News).