US warplanes struck a weapons storage facility used by Iran and its allies in eastern Syria shortly after Tehran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone.
In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the strike was in response to more than three dozen attacks on U.S. military facilities in Iraq and Syria since Oct. 17.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the attack was in response to more than three dozen attacks on US military sites in Iraq and Syria since October 17.ZUMAPRESS.com “The president has no higher priority than the safety of American personnel, and led today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said. US AIR FORCE/AFP via Getty Images 24 soldiers were injured in attacks on US bases in Iraq.
“The President has no higher priority than the safety of American personnel, and he directed today’s action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Austin said.
“The United States is fully prepared to take further steps necessary to protect our people and our facilities. We urge against any escalation. “U.S. personnel will continue to carry out counter-ISIS missions in Iraq and Syria.”
Austin said: “The United States is fully prepared to take further steps necessary to protect our people and our facilities.” AFP via Getty Images
Yemen Armed Forces spokesman Yahya Sare’e announced the downing of the highly advanced approximately 5,000-pound drone at a post in X on Wednesday afternoon, alleging that the U.S. craft was “conducting hostile operations, of surveillance and espionage in Yemeni territory.” waters along with US military support for the Israeli entity.”
“The drone was shot down with a suitable weapon,” he said. “The Yemeni Armed Forces affirm their legitimate right to defend the country and confront all hostile threats.”
A senior U.S. defense official told The Post that the drone was flying through international airspace and over international waters when it was shot down.
Austin also added: “We urge against any escalation. “U.S. personnel will continue to carry out counter-ISIS missions in Iraq and Syria.”
The exact location of the demolition was not immediately available Wednesday night.
The Houthis seized Yemen’s capital from the Western-recognized government in 2014 and had seized much of the country’s north by 2016. The political-military group has strong support from Iran and its terrorist group Hezbollah, based in the Lebanon, according to Woodrow. The Wilson International Center for Scholars think tank in Washington.
“Hostile acts will not deter the Yemeni armed forces from continuing to carry out military operations against the Israeli entity in solidarity with oppression. [sic] of the Palestinian nation,” Sare’e added in X. “Victory comes only from Allah.”
The MQ-9s are larger, heavier and more capable aircraft than the MQ-1 Predator drone. They are primarily used to gather intelligence, but can also carry weapons to carry out attacks against enemy targets.
The Biden administration has vowed not to engage in direct combat on behalf of Israel, but US forces remain in the region on a mission against ISIS, while the Pentagon sent two aircraft carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean following Hamas’ savage attack on October 7. in southern Israel that killed more than 1,400 people, including at least 33 Americans.
Wednesday’s drone downing came five days after the Pentagon admitted that U.S. forces were flying unarmed drones over the Gaza Strip to assist Israelis in hostage recovery efforts.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn