CENTCOM announces strikes against Iranian-linked targets in Syria
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) recently announced that U.S. forces conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran-associated targets on Monday. In a statement obtained by Fox News, CENTCOM said that the strikes were in response to “several attacks” against U.S. forces.
The statement from CENTCOM mentioned that the strikes targeted nine locations in Syria associated with Iranian groups. These strikes were carried out in response to recent attacks on U.S. personnel in Syria. The main objective of these strikes was to degrade the Iranian-backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces who are in the region to conduct D-ISIS operations.
Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of CENTCOM, emphasized that these attacks sent a clear message that any assaults against U.S. and coalition partners in the region would not be tolerated. He stated, “We will continue to take every step necessary to protect our personnel and coalition partners and respond to reckless attacks.”
The tensions between Israel and Iran have been escalating, with U.S. bombers arriving in the Middle East to support Israel. Last week, B-52 Stratofortress strategic bombers from Minot Air Force Base’s 5th Bomb Wing were deployed in the region. The exact locations where these weapons were sent were not specified by CENTCOM.
In a separate development, an Iranian asset was charged with attempting to assassinate President-elect Trump. The Iranian Foreign Ministry denied these allegations, but Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the threat posed by Iran to the national security of the United States. He stated, “There are few actors in the world that pose as grave a threat to the national security of the United States as does Iran.”
The Justice Department’s charges against the Iranian asset highlighted Iran’s involvement in directing a network of criminal associates to further assassination plots against various targets, including President-elect Trump.
The recent retaliatory strikes and ongoing tensions in the region underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for U.S. forces and their allies to remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any threats that may arise.
Andrea Margolis is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can send story tips to andrea.margolis@fox.com.
