U.S. Central Command destroys threatening weapon systems in Syria

The destroyed weapons included three truck-mounted multiple rocket launchers, a T-64 tank, and multiple mortars. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder described the weapons as presenting a “clear and imminent threat” to forces in the area.

Ryder explained that the action followed an attack in which the mobile rocket launchers fired rockets near MSS Euphrates, and mortars were aimed at U.S. personnel. The U.S. military acted in self-defence to neutralise the threat.

While the origins of the attack remain under investigation, Ryder noted that Iranian-backed militia groups operate in the region and have previously targeted MSS Euphrates. This marks the second such engagement by U.S. forces in less than a week.

On 29 November, Centcom deployed A-10 fighter aircraft to eliminate another hostile threat targeting MSS Euphrates. Ryder revealed that individuals had been seen preparing a rocket rail in that incident.

When questioned about potential links to the broader Syrian conflict, Ryder clarified that the U.S. actions were solely defensive. “To be clear, these self-defense actions successfully eliminated imminent threats to U.S. personnel and were not linked to any broader activities in northwest Syria by other groups,” he stated.

Ryder emphasised the continued U.S. mission to partner with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in countering ISIS. “Our focus is on protecting our forces and also preserving our efforts to conduct counter-ISIS operations in partnership with the SDF,” he added.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense.