The mobile phone video shows what is left of an abandoned outpost on the Syrian side of the border with Iraq after US airstrikes on Thursday. Two F-15 eagles dropped seven 500-pound bombs, destroyed nine buildings and damaged two. According to initial reports, one person was killed and three were injured.
“I realize the importance of this operation that it is the first of its kind under the new government,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.
Kirby said militias backed by Iran used the border post to smuggle weapons to Iraq.
“These structures again had information that gave us confidence that these structures, this site, this assembly – because all the buildings were on one site – were used by these groups to facilitate resources, materials, weapons to Iraq. To carry out the attacks. to carry out, ”Kirby said.
U.S. officials said two weeks ago that rockets manufactured by Iran were fired at a base in Iraq where U.S. troops were stationed. Thursday night’s strike was a message to Iran.
“This is a very clear message to anyone in the region about what the interests are if you continue to attack our people,” Kirby said.
Defense officials say the strike was meant to be a one-off, but it will depend on how Iran and its allies react.
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