Probe Launched After 4 Failed Rocket Attacks On US Military Base In Syria

A rocket attack was launched on the United States military base in northeast Syria on Sunday. However, it failed to hit the U.S. or coalition forces and equipment. According to United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack targeted the Green Village base in northeastern Syria.

“At approximately 7:05 pm in Syria on September 18th, a rocket attack targeting the Green Village base in northeast Syria failed to strike US or Coalition forces or equipment,” a statement by CENTCOM said. According to the statement, three 107mm rockets targeted the base, and a fourth rocket along with rocket tubes were found at the launch point, approximately 5 kilometers away.

“US forces in northeast Syria are investigating the incident," the statement added. The CENTCOM noted that after the rocket attack, U.S. also responded which killed two to three fighters who were conducting it.

According to Fox News, the attack is the result of the air strikes that U.S. carried out against Iranian-backed militants in the region three weeks ago. It involved eight U.S. fighter jets, four F-16s and four F-15Es, and hit nine targets in Syria including an ammunition depot and logistic supply bunkers, said the military.

The Green Village base was targeted last month in a violent attack between the U.S. military and Iran-backed militants. It left at least one U.S. military service member in Syria with a minor injury, reported Reuters. Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM said that they will respond appropriately and proportionally to attacks on their servicemembers. "No group will strike at our troops with impunity. We will take all necessary measures to defend our people."

U.S. forces were first deployed in Syria during the Obama administration’s campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS). The deployment happened in partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). There are about 900 U.S. troops in Syria, most of them in the east, according to Al Jajeera. Meanwhile, the U.S. garrison at al-Tanf conducts regular patrols alongside coalition forces against ISIS militants.

Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, said that U.S. troops have four main objectives in Syria including reducing violence, maintaining military pressure on ISIS, addressing Syria’s humanitarian crisis, and supporting Israel.