The U.S. hit two places in Syria on Friday morning with airstrikes, reports said citing Pentagon sources, increasing the risk of the Israel-Hamas war spilling over. The action was in retaliation to drone and missile attacks on U.S. bases and personnel, according to a report from the Associated Press.
The U.S. decision to enlarge the envelope of action show the Biden administration's determination to maintain a delicate balance, according to the report.
The targets were reportedly Iranian-backed groups suspected of attacking U.S. interests in the region, likely triggered by Israel's war against Hamas in the Palestinian-controlled areas of Gaza Strip.
The AP report added: According to the Pentagon, there have been at least 12 attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in Iraq and four in Syria since Oct. 17. Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said 21 U.S. personnel were injured in two of those assaults that used drones to target al-Asad Airbase in Iraq and al-Tanf Garrison in Syria.