Biden orders airstrikes against Iran-backed groups in Syria

Washington, Aug 24 (EFE).- The president of the United States ordered precision airstrikes in the Syrian town of Deir ez-Zor against groups backed by the Iranian regime, the United States Central Command (Centcom) said in a statement late Tuesday.

“At President (Joe) Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces conducted precision airstrikes in Deir ez-Zor Syria today,” said a statement signed by communications director Col. Joe Buccino, who added that there were no casualties.

“These precision strikes are intended to defend and protect U.S. forces from attacks like the ones on August 15 against U.S. personnel by Iran-backed groups,” he said.

He also clarified that the US targeted specific infrastructure facilities “used by groups affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.”

According to Buccino, the attacks were necessary to “protect and defend US personnel.”

“The United States took proportionate, deliberate action intended to limit the risk of escalation and minimize the risk of casualties,” he said.

“The President gave the direction for these strikes pursuant to his Article II authority to protect and defend U.S. personnel by disrupting or deterring attacks by Iran-backed groups,” he added before clarifying that Washington “does not seek conflict, but will continue to take necessary measures to protect and defend our people.”

Buccino told CNN that the US targeted bunkers used for ammunition storage and logistical support by Iranian-backed groups.

The US military extensively monitored 13 bunkers at the same complex, according to Buccino, but the strike targeted 11 of those, as Washington could not be sure whether the remaining two bunkers were free of people, Buccino said.

Shortly before Centcom carried out the attack, the military waved off strikes on two more bunkers due to a small group of people nearby, with the end total number struck coming to nine. EFE

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