On Thursday, a military base in southern Syria, where U.S. troops have been stationed to train forces as part of the fight against the Islamic State group, was attacked by drones. Two U.S. officials revealed this information to The Associated Press. According to the officials, one drone was shot down, but another caused minor injuries. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the incident before an official announcement was made.
These drone attacks come after similar strikes on U.S. and coalition bases in Iraq. It is believed that these attacks are a result of the simmering anger in the region following an explosion at a Gaza hospital, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people.
The al-Tanf garrison, located in southeastern Syria, is a strategically important area that is often used by Iranian-backed militants to transport weapons to Hezbollah. Syrian opposition activists have also reported a drone attack on an oil facility in eastern Syria, which houses American troops. Three drones carrying explosives reportedly struck the Conoco gas field in the Deir el-Zour province. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed that five explosions were heard at the gas field.
These attacks highlight the ongoing instability in the region and the threat posed by drones. The use of drones in military operations has become increasingly common in recent years, with both state and non-state actors utilizing the technology. The ability to carry out attacks remotely and with precision makes drones an attractive option for those seeking to inflict damage. However, the use of drones also raises concerns about civilian casualties and the potential for escalation.
As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding these drone attacks. It remains to be seen how the U.S. and its allies will respond to these incidents and what impact they will have on the broader campaign against the Islamic State group.