After the US military claimed that its base in Syria was attacked by a drone, it launched a retaliatory air strike on organizations "associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps" in Syria on the evening of the 23rd, and triggered another round of-for-tat strikes between the two sides, which increased tensions in eastern Syria. Both Syria and Iran condemned the US air strikes. At a time when Middle East countries are accelerating reconciliation, some Middle East media pointed out that although the US move claims to be retaliation, it is also issuing a warning to Syria, Iran and regional countries, which undermines regional stability.
MEI: Further action will be taken if necessary
According to the US Department of Defense, the US military base in Hasakah Province in northeastern Syria was attacked by drones on the 23rd, causing 1 death and 6 injuries. U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin said that U.S. intelligence determined that drones "originated in Iran", and President Biden authorized the U.S. military to launch air strikes on the 23rd as retaliation for attacks on U.S. military bases. On the 24th, two U.S. facilities in Syria's Deir Ezzor province were attacked by drones and rockets, injuring an American soldier. Reuters quoted two local sources as saying that suspected US rockets launched attacks at more locations in eastern Syria later on the 24th. The "Syrian Observatory for Human Rights" headquartered in the United Kingdom said on the 25th that the US attack killed at least 19 armed personnel.
According to the Associated Press, Biden said on the 24th that the United States "has no intention of seeking conflict with Iran" but is ready to "take strong action" to protect its citizens. Under the U.S. War Powers Act, the president must notify Congress within 48 hours of taking military action. In a letter to Congress on the 25th, Biden said that he had precisely targeted facilities used for command and control, ammunition storage and other purposes by organizations affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the attacks were aimed at "establishing deterrence, reducing the risk of escalation and avoiding civilian casualties." He also said the U.S. stands ready to take further action if necessary in response to further threats or attacks.
US military in Syria accused of "stealing oil" again
On the 25th, Iran's Supreme National Security Council spokesman Hoslavi said that the United States tried to avoid its illegal occupation of Syrian territory by making false accusations against Iran. He said that in the past two days, the United States has repeatedly sent helicopters to divert Islamic State (IS) terrorists in order to destabilize the situation in Syria. Khoslavi warned that U.S. attacks on any military bases established with the permission of the Syrian government to combat extremist groups and terrorism would be met with an immediate "corresponding response."
On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Kanani condemned the aggressive terrorist attack launched by the US military on civilian targets in the Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor. He said that the illegal stationing and attacks of the United States in Syria violate international law and violate Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kanani stressed that at the request of the Syrian government, Iran has sent military advisers to Syria to help fight terrorism, and Iranian advisers will remain in Syria until peace, stability and lasting security are restored in the country.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry also issued a statement on the 25th, condemning the US attack on parts of Syria's Deir ez-Zor province, resulting in many deaths and injuries. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said that the reason for the US military to carry out the air strike was only to find an excuse for violating Syria's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity. The hostile actions of the United States are a continuation of the crimes committed by extremist groups against the people of the region, trying to cover up the truth about the illegal US military presence continuing to steal Syrian oil. Syria reiterated that it will end the illegal military presence of the United States in Syria, demanded that the United States stop supporting separatist and terrorist forces in Syria, and said it would restore sovereignty over all its territory.
According to the Syrian News Agency, the United States illegally stationed troops in Syria again stole Syrian oil resources on the 25th, using 8 military armored vehicles to escort a convoy of 80 vehicles, including 140 fuel tankers, from Syria's Hassakeh province to Iraq.
The United States issued a warning in the name of retaliation?
It is worth noting that the US air strike on eastern Syria coincides with the news that Saudi Arabia and Syria are about to resume diplomatic relations. The Associated Press mentioned that the recent attacks and the U.S. response could undermine efforts to ease tensions across the Middle East.
Lebanon's "Square TV" website wrote that although the US air strike on Syria was claimed to be in retaliation, it was also a warning to Syria and Iran, prohibiting Syria from getting closer to Iran, and at the same time, the United States launched such a military operation when relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia are about to improve, but also to warn Saudi Arabia and not allow Saudi Arabia to reconcile with Syria, because peace between Syria and Saudi Arabia is not in line with the strategic interests of the United States in the Middle East, but will undermine US sanctions and suppress Syria's diplomatic efforts. What the United States has done is entirely out of selfish interests, which undermines the stability of the Middle East and hinders China's diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the Middle East.