US launches strike on Syria after attacks by Iran-backed militias

The US launched an airstrike Wednesday on a facility in eastern Syria used by Iranian-backed militias, in retaliation to an increasing number of attacks over the past several weeks on bases housing US troops, the Pentagon said.

Two US F-15 fighter jets carried out the strike on a weapons storage facility linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

President Joe Biden "directed today's action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

This is the second time in less than two weeks that the U.S. has bombed facilities used by the militant groups, many operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which U.S. officials say have carried out at least 40 such attacks in the region since October 17. (AP)