Share this @internewscast.com

U.S. targets in Iraq and Syria have been attacked at least 23 times since Oct. 17, a senior U.S. defense official said Monday.

The attacks have been conducted primarily with rockets and drones, said the official, and 14 have been against U.S. targets in Iraq and nine against U.S. bases in Syria. The official did not report any U.S. injuries.

At least four of the attacks have come since the U.S. launched retaliatory strikes on two Iranian-linked targets in Syria on Thursday.

A senior U.S. military official said that the two locations hit by the U.S. were a weapons storage area and an ammunition storage area, and that the U.S. used precision munitions dropped by two F-16s. No casualties were detected, according to the senior defense official.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called the attacks launched by the U.S. last Thursday “separate and distinct from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas” and said they don’t represent a shift in the U.S. approach to the conflict.

Prior to retaliating, U.S. and coalition forces had been attacked at least 19 times in Iraq and Syria, according to defense officials. On Oct. 18, at least two one-way attack drones targeted al-Tanf military base in southern Syria, U.S. Central Command said. On the same day, there were two separate drone attacks against U.S. and coalition forces stationed at al-Asad base in western Iraq. One American civilian contractor died of a heart attack while sheltering in place, and 21 U.S. personnel suffered minor injuries, including 19 with traumatic brain injuries. All those injured have since returned to duty.

On Friday, a defense official reported that another attack had occurred in Iraq, saying U.S. forces had shot down a one-way drone “a few kilometers” from the Asad base.

The U.S. defines attacks as attempted strikes on U.S. facilities. Not all attempts actually reach the U.S. targets. 

Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, said last Tuesday that the groups conducting the attacks are supported by Iran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“We always reserve the right to defend ourselves, and we will never hesitate to take action when needed to protect our forces and our interests overseas,” he added.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago NASCAR race:3rd NASCAR Chicago Street Race takes off in Grant Park for 2nd day with Cup Series race

NASCAR Chicago: Day 2 of the Third Annual Race Kicks Off in Grant Park with Cup Series Action

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago’s third annual NASCAR Street Race will hit the…
Rapper 4xtra loses '2 fingers' in gruesome fireworks mishap after joking about 'blowing' somebody up

Rapper 4xtra loses ‘2 fingers’ in a horrific fireworks accident after previously joking about an explosion

Infamous last words. A rapper and podcast host suffered a severe hand…
Sean 'Diddy' Combs gets standing ovation from inmates after court victory, his lawyer says

Inmates Applaud Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs After Court Win, According to His Attorney

NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs received a standing ovation from…
Man vows to keep Texas business running despite 'worst flood' in 20 years

Texas Business Owner Determined to Keep Doors Open Amid Worst Flood in Two Decades

“Current live updates from the field indicate unconfirmed reports of more water…
Brunswick shooting leaves woman injured, man arrested

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Seeks Suspect in Shooting Incident That Injured One Person

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says this happened just before 1:30 a.m. Sunday…
Hilliard man recounts springing into action after neighbor on motorcycle hit by 14-year-old ATV driver

Hilliard Resident Describes Quickly Responding After Neighbor’s Motorcycle Accident with 14-Year-Old ATV Rider

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a man was killed near his…
Tim Hill came up clutch

Tim Hill Delivered in a Crucial Moment

Heroes, zeros and the inside pitch from the Yankees’ 6-4 win over the Mets on…
Michael Kay claps back at 'fawning fanboy' Blue Jays broadcaster

Michael Kay Responds to Criticism from Blue Jays Broadcaster

After being taunted with a broom, Michael Kay dropped a hammer. Kay,…
Yankees trade catcher Alex Jackson to Orioles as Austin Wells breaks out of slump

Yankees send catcher Alex Jackson to Orioles; Austin Wells finds his groove

The Yankees traded away another organizational catcher Sunday, shipping Alex Jackson from…
Australian Erin Patterson found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case

Erin Patterson from Australia Convicted on All Charges in Mushroom Murder Case

An Australian woman was convicted on Monday for the murder of three…
A young Alabama student, a grandparent and a camp director among those killed in Texas floods

“Tragic Texas Floods Claim Lives of Alabama Student, Grandparent, and Camp Director”

A grandmother from a small town vanished on her commute to work.…
Our Chicago: Space To Grow

Discover Chicago: Expanding Horizons

CHICAGO (WLS) — Across Chicago, numerous school playgrounds serve dual purposes: offering…