Defense secretary issues statement explaining the response to attacks on U.S. troops.
The United States launched air attacks on two bases used by Iranian proxy forces in Syria in response to multiple recent attacks on American forces, which injured some American troops.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated Thursday evening, “At President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces conducted self-defense strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups. These precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17.“
He continued, “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 not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests.“
The defense secretary said, “The United States does not seek conflict and has no intention nor desire to engage in further hostilities, but these Iranian-backed attacks against U.S. forces are unacceptable and must stop. … If attacks by Iran’s proxies against U.S. forces continue, we will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people.
He concluded, “These narrowly tailored strikes in self-defense were intended solely to protect and defend U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria. They are separate and distinct from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and do not constitute a shift in our approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. We continue to urge all state and non-state entities not to take action that would escalate into a broader regional conflict.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president and defense secretary to seek God’s direction as they respond to attacks on American troops in the Middle East.
- For the safety of U.S. Armed Forces personnel stationed in the region as well as those being deployed.
Sources: Department of Defense, Gateway Pundit, NY Times
