In retaliation for a series of rocket and drone attacks on American troops in Iraq and Syria, the US military has carried out airstrikes in eastern Syria. The strikes targeted facilities associated with Iranian-backed militant groups, and were conducted at the direction of President Joe Biden, according to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The attacks injured 21 US service members and began on October 17. Austin emphasized that the US does not seek conflict but will defend its personnel and interests against unacceptable attacks by Iranian-backed militias. The airstrikes come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war serving as a backdrop. The US military used F-16 fighter aircraft to strike two facilities near Abu Kamal, a town in eastern Syria close to the Iraqi border. The strikes were intended to send a clear message that the US will not tolerate further attacks on its forces. If such attacks continue, the US will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect its people, Austin warned.