One Iranian-Backed Militia Member Killed, 2 Injured in Syria Strike

Arab World

March 1st, 7:43pm

Asharq Al-Awsat

US Department of Defense press secretary John Kirby speaks in a media briefing at the Pentagon. (AP file photo)

A US strike in Syria last week killed one Iranian backed militia member and injured two others, the Pentagon said on Monday. "We'll continue to assess, as you know we do, and if that changes we'll certainly let you know," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters. Washington and Tehran are seeking maximum leverage in attempts to save Iran’s nuclear deal reached with world powers in 2015 but abandoned in 2018 by then-President Donald Trump, after which regional tensions soared and fears of full-scale conflict grew. The air strikes, early on Friday local time, targeted militia sites on the Syrian side of the Iraqi-Syrian frontier, where groups backed by Iran control an important crossing for weapons, personnel and goods. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the air strikes in Syria were meant to send the message that President Joe Biden will act to protect Americans. Future US actions in the region will be deliberative and will aim to deescalate tensions in Syria, Psaki said.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2835171/one-iranian-backed-militia-member-killed-2-injured-syria-strike