U.S. Central Command successfully engaged and destroyed several weapon systems in Syria that posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces, according to the Defense Department. The weapons destroyed included three truck-mounted multiple rocket launchers, a T-64 tank, and multiple mortars. These weapons were deemed to present a clear and imminent threat to forces in eastern Syria’s Mission Support Site Euphrates. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder stated that the self-defense strike occurred in response to rockets and mortars being fired in the vicinity of MSS Euphrates.
While the Department of Defense is still assessing who was operating the weapons, there are Iranian-backed militia groups in the region that have attacked MSS Euphrates in the past. This incident marks the second time in less than a week that Centcom forces were used to neutralize a hostile threat in the region. On November 29, A-10 fighter aircraft were employed to engage a hostile target that posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces at MSS Euphrates. These self-defense actions aimed to eliminate imminent threats to U.S. personnel in the area.
When questioned about Centcom’s involvement with the Syrian Democratic Forces and the broader civil war in the region, Ryder reiterated that the focus of U.S. forces in the region is primarily on protecting their personnel and partnering with the SDF to counter ISIS. The recent engagements were specifically aimed at eliminating threats to U.S. personnel and were not linked to any broader activities in northwest Syria by other groups. The priority remains on protecting forces and conducting counter-ISIS operations in partnership with the SDF.
Overall, U.S. Central Command’s actions in Syria have been focused on self-defense and protecting U.S. personnel from imminent threats. The recent engagements with hostile targets in the region were necessary to ensure the safety of forces at MSS Euphrates. While the situation in Syria is complex with various groups and conflicts at play, U.S. forces are primarily dedicated to countering ISIS and working alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces. These self-defense actions are part of ongoing efforts to maintain security and stability in the region.
