US strikes Iran-linked weapons facility in Syria after attack

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed airstrikes on an Iranian-backed militia’s weapons storage facility in Syria, following a rocket attack on U.S. forces stationed at Patrol Base Shaddadi.

CENTCOM stated the targeted facility served as both a storage site and logistical hub for the militia, highlighting that the strike was a decisive response to the earlier attack, which caused no injuries or damage.

“These strikes will degrade the Iranian-backed groups’ ability to plan and launch future attacks on U.S. and Coalition forces,” CENTCOM reported, reinforcing its commitment to protecting American personnel. General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, added, “We have made it clear that attacks on U.S. personnel, partner forces, and facilities will not be tolerated.”

Patrol Base Shaddadi, a major U.S. base in eastern Syria, operates as a logistical center for various U.S. activities, including controversial resource exports. The retaliatory strike underscores Washington’s ongoing struggle with Iran-aligned groups in the region, amid broader tensions between the U.S. and Iran, especially as the conflict in Gaza has intensified.

This latest strike comes against a backdrop of frequent attacks on U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq by Iranian-backed militias. The U.S. maintains roughly 900 troops in Syria to support local opposition forces against the Assad regime, which Tehran continues to support—a point of ongoing friction. In response to escalating tensions, the U.S. has vowed to aggressively counter any threats to its forces and regional security.