The United States launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday after a drone attack killed an American contractor and wounded several others. The strikes targeted facilities used by Iran-backed militias, according to the Pentagon.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. The Trump administration has accused Iran of being behind a series of recent attacks on American targets, including a drone strike that damaged two oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. Iran has denied any involvement in the attacks.
The airstrikes are the latest in a series of military actions by the United States in the Middle East. The Trump administration has been trying to pressure Iran to renegotiate the 2015 nuclear deal, which it withdrew from last year.
Quote:
“We will not tolerate attacks on our people, our facilities, or our interests,” said President Donald Trump in a statement. “The United States will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our people and our interests.”
Background:
The United States has been involved in Syria’s civil war since 2014, when it began providing military support to rebel groups fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad. The US has also been carrying out airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria.
Impact:
The airstrikes are likely to further escalate tensions between the United States and Iran. They could also lead to further attacks on American targets in the Middle East.
