The White House has said that through the airstrikes in Syria, President Joe Biden protected US personnel and facilities, and deterred the risk of additional attacks “over the coming weeks”.
On Thursday, airstrikes in Syria targeted facilities belonging to a powerful Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group, reportedly killing one fighter and wounding several others.
The strikes came in the wake of recent attacks on US interests in Iraq, including a rocket attack last week which killed a civilian contractor and injured a US service member and other coalition troops.
“The president is sending an unambiguous message that he’s going to act to protect Americans, and when threats are posed, he has the right to take action at the time, and in the manner of his choosing,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters.
