Iran launches first-ever strike in Syria
An American soldier patrols at a US command center in Syria. Picture: Reuters
Iran has attacked a command center of US special operations forces in Al-Tanf, Syria, in retaliation for the killing of Iranian soldiers in Iranshahr, the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Friday. State media reported the information. It marks Iran’s first strike in Syria amid the conflict in the Middle East.
The US military said last February that it had completed the withdrawal of its troops from the Al-Tanf base, located near the borders of Syria, Jordan and Iraq.
Syria has been trying to avoid becoming involved in the ongoing regional conflict surrounding its neighboring countries.
Hezbollah is fighting Israeli forces in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iran-backed armed groups have carried out drone and rocket attacks in Iraq.
In March, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that Syria would not become involved in any conflict unless the country itself came under attack. Speaking at an event at Chatham House in London, he said, “If no party targets Syria, the country will remain outside all forms of conflict.”
State media reports also said that the IRGC claimed Iran has full control over the Strait of Hormuz. It also said that if US attacks continue, no oil or gas exports will be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Reuters (Adapted)
