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Pentagon: Iran-backed attack injured 8 US troops in Syria

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  • Pentagon: Iran-backed attack injured 8 US troops in Syria
  • August 14, 2024
  • Article Body Text pentagon — <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>&quot;We assess that it was conducted by Iranian-backed militia, but we're still digging into the specifics,&quot; 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 &quot;none of the injuries are life threatening.&quot; </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 Type Text
  • Language English
  • NewsML Media Topics Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
  • Subtitles / Dubbing Available No
  • Network VOA
  • Embargo Date August 13, 2024 22:13 EDT
  • Byline Carla Babb
  • Brand / Language Service Voice of America - English
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