US Strikes in Syria and Biden’s Warning to Iran Amidst Ongoing Tensions
In a rapidly evolving development, the Israel-Hamas conflict has witnessed increased tensions, prompting a series of actions from the United States. On Thursday, the U.S. military carried out strikes against two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and allied groups, as a response to attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. Simultaneously, the Israeli military announced a brief entry into northern Gaza in preparation for a potential full-scale incursion.
Hamas Seeks Support from Allies Amid Rising Casualties
With the conflict now spanning more than 20 days, Hamas has called for increased support from its allies, notably Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Gaza Health Ministry reported a devastating toll, with more than 7,000 Palestinians killed, surpassing the casualties of the 2014 Gaza war by threefold. Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, over 100 Palestinians have lost their lives due to violence and Israeli raids since Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7 in southern Israel.
U.S. Strikes in Syria and Biden’s Warning
On Friday, U.S. officials confirmed that the United States had conducted strikes in Syria in response to the recent attacks on its troops. These strikes were ordered by President Joe Biden, who emphasized that the U.S. will not tolerate attacks on its personnel and will defend its interests. The Pentagon indicated that further measures may be taken if attacks by Iran’s proxies persist.
Tensions Escalate with Drone Attacks and Ongoing Retaliation
Tensions escalated further as two suicide drones, linked to an Iranian-backed group, targeted a base housing U.S. troops in northern Iraq. The Islamic Resistance, an umbrella group for various Iran-backed factions, claimed responsibility for the attack, which directly hit its intended targets. Notably, in the past week, several dozen attacks on U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria have been reported, primarily attributed to the same group, citing retaliation against U.S. support for Israel in the conflict.
Biden’s Direct Message to Iran
In an unprecedented move, President Biden sent a direct message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning against targeting U.S. personnel in the Middle East. The White House confirmed the message, emphasizing the seriousness of recent attacks on American forces in the region.
President Biden had previously stated that the U.S. would respond if American forces continued to be targeted, though the communication method used for his warning remains undisclosed.
The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with ongoing international efforts to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further loss of life.
