Syria: Drone Attack Kills Six US-Backed Kurdish Fighters

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Facts

  • Six US-backed Kurdish fighters were killed in a drone attack on a US base in eastern Syria on Sunday.1
  • The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces reported that the attack, which struck a training ground at al-Omar base in the eastern Syrian region of Deir el-Zour, also wounded 18.2
  • The Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack. The group is a loose alliance of Iranian-backed Iraqi militias hostile to the US presence in the region.2
  • No US troops were reported among the casualties. Al-Omar is the largest US military base in Syria. Roughly 900 US troops are currently stationed in Syria and 2500 are stationed in Iraq.3
  • The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the US-led Combined Joint Task Force across Syria has faced over 108 attacks on its bases since Oct. 19. Last month, a drone attack at a US base in Jordan killed three American soldiers and wounded more than 40 people. US officials blamed the attack on Iran and promised 'retaliation.'4
  • The Sunday attack came after the US struck more than 85 targets connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated groups across Iraq and Syria over the weekend, killing more than 45 people.2

Sources: 1Associated Press, 2BBC News, 3Guardian and 4Al Jazeera.

Narratives

  • Democratic narrative, as provided by New York Times. Pres. Biden is taking a calculated and patient approach to retaliating against Iran's regional aggression in order to contain Iran's belligerent behavior and avoid serious escalation. Aside from a direct attack on Iran, there are plenty of options on the table. Rest assured, Biden will send a message to deter threats against US interests.
  • Republican narrative, as provided by Townhall. The Biden administration has done nothing to deter Iran's aggressions since he took office, so there's no reason to believe he will do anything that will make a difference in Iran's behavior. As Iranian attacks against US forces escalate, all the administration has done is issue strongly worded statements. Donald Trump showed the type of strength it takes to put Iran in its place, but unfortunately, Biden won't show such leadership.
  • Pro-Iran narrative, as provided by PressTV. US foreign policy is the primary driver of violence and instability in the Middle East, as the US continues to occupy countries in the region — including Iraq and Syria — and ruthlessly supports Israel's brutal campaign against Palestinians in Gaza. If the US wants a secure and stable Middle East, it should withdraw its forces from the region and cease its support for Gaza's destruction.