A base in eastern Syria hosting U.S.-led international coalition forces was the target of a drone strike on Friday, with no claims of responsibility or reports of casualties so far.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has indicated that the target was the base of Al Tanf, located near the border with Jordan and Iraq, and has pointed out that the attack would have been executed by pro-Iranian militias.
Sources cited by the London-based organization and informants in the Arab country have indicated that several members of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) were wounded in the attack, although there is no official confirmation for the moment.
The attack was carried out just two weeks after another missile strike on a coalition base in the eastern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor, which resulted in no casualties.
On the other hand, the U.S. Army announced on Thursday the arrest of an alleged member of the Islamic State involved in the «planning and facilitation» of operations and in «global recruitment efforts» on behalf of the jihadist group.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that the operation was conducted on January 18 in conjunction with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), led by the Kurdish militia Popular Protection Units (YPG).
Thus, he detailed that the airborne operation was carried out «after extensive planning to ensure its successful execution.» «Initial analysis indicates that no civilians were killed or injured,» he said.
CENTCOM spokesman Joe Buccino emphasized that the operation «reaffirms the commitment to the region and the lasting defeat of the Islamic State» and added that the capture of this suspect «will disrupt the terrorist organization’s ability to plan and execute international attacks that threaten U.S. citizens, partners and innocent civilians.»
«Islamic State continues to pose a threat to the United States and its partners in the region. CENTCOM maintains a sufficient and sustainable presence in the region and will continue to address regional security threats,» he reiterated.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
