Satellite image after the US air raid. A manned satellite image released on the 26th (local time) shows the aftermath of a recent air raid on a small building in the eastern border of Syria. AFP=Yonhap News
The first military action of Biden’s US administration has revealed satellite images of the destruction of a pro-Iranian militia facility in Syria.
This is a response to casualties caused by a rocket attack on a US military base in the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq on the 15th.
On the 27th (local time), if you look at the satellite images received and released by Reuters and AFP, you can see about 10 buildings gathered in a large field before the air raid. However, if you look at the satellite photos taken after the air raid, most of the buildings have disappeared without a trace. It is also noticeable that debris and smoke from the bombing are scattered around.
The air raid took place on the 25th, targeting the facilities of pro-Iranian militias, such as Kataib Hezbollah, in eastern Syria.
The US Department of Defense explained that it mobilized seven precision guided missiles with two F-15E units and that 11 facilities were destroyed.
The casualties were not identified in detail. Some reports reported that 17 to 22 people died.
On the 15th, an attack on the US base killed a Filipino subcontractor who worked with the Allied Forces. In addition, one Louisiana National Guard and four US subcontractors were injured.
Defense Ministry spokesman John Kirby said in a statement shortly after the attack, “At the order of President Biden, we raided the infrastructure in eastern Syria used by Iranian-backed militias early this evening.” A number of facilities near the border that were used by a number of Iranian aid militias, including Kataev Sayid Al Shuhada, were destroyed.” He emphasized, “A clear message that we will act to protect Americans.”
Satellite image before the US air raid. Reuters = Yonhap News
Reporter Han Young-hye [email protected]
