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Pentagon: Iran-backed attack injured 8 US troops in Syria
August 14, 2024
Article Body Textpentagon — <p>Eight U.S. service members in Syria were injured in a drone attack by Iranian-backed militants last week, Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder said on Tuesday. </p> <p>Tuesday marked the first time that the Pentagon blamed Iranian proxies for Friday's attack. </p> <p>"We assess that it was conducted by Iranian-backed militia, but we're still digging into the specifics," Ryder said in response to a question from VOA at a Pentagon briefing. </p> <p>Ryder told reporters the service members had been treated for smoke inhalation and traumatic brain injury. Three of the injured troops have returned to duty, he added. </p> <p>Earlier, the U.S. military said several American and coalition personnel had been wounded in a drone attack late Friday at Rumalyn Landing Zone in eastern Syria but stressed that "none of the injuries are life threatening." </p> <p>The United States has about 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in neighboring Iraq to advise and assist local forces working to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State terror group in the region. </p> <p>The drone strike in Syria marked the second time this month that U.S. military personnel in the Middle East had been injured in attacks. Five Americans were injured in a rocket attack against al-Asad air base August 5 in Iraq, with three transported to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for further care, according to deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh. </p> <p>Iranian-backed militias have launched dozens of attacks against U.S. forces in the region since Israel began its military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas' deadly October 7 terror attacks. </p>
Content TypeText
LanguageEnglish
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateAugust 13, 2024 22:13 EDT
BylineCarla Babb
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English