Rocket bombing targets US occupation base in Syria
Al Mayadeen sources report that a US base in the Koniko gas field in Deir Ezzor is being subjected to missile strikes causing material damage, and the US Undersecretary of Defense for Policy responds.
Al Mayadeen sources in the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor reported that three rockets have fallen on a US base in the Koniko gas field, northeast of the province.
The sources added that "the shells fell inside the base and caused material damage," but no information was reported on any human casualties.
The sources indicated that "international coalition helicopters and warplanes flew in the airspace of Deir Ezzor countryside, amid the mobilization of patrols after targeting al-Qaeda with missiles, in an attempt to find out the location of the targeting platforms."
Immediately after the attack, ambulances rushed to the site of the explosions to transport the dead and possibly wounded, amid a heavy deployment of the US-affiliated SDF militants in the area, according to Sputnik.
The Koniko field is the largest natural gas field in Syria, with an estimated production of 10 million cubic meters of natural gas per day.
The US occupation forces in Syria said early Wednesday they carried out airstrikes in eastern Syria on areas it claimed are used by groups linked to the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC).
"Today's strikes were necessary to protect and defend US personnel," CENTCOM spokesperson Colonel Joe Buccino claimed in a statement.
Buccino underlined that the offensive was in response to an attack that took place on August 15, which was allegedly launched by "Iran-backed groups" in Syria against a US occupation forces post in Al-Tanf region. CENTCOM claimed that the attack did not result in any casualties or damages.
Deir Ezzor is a highly important region for the US occupation forces, as it lies on the borders with Iraq and contains vast oil fields.
The Syrian Oil Ministry revealed earlier this month that the US occupation forces loot the majority of Syria's oil. The daily production of the eastern oil fields is 80.3 thousand barrels.
US tracking new exchange of fire in Syria, no comments at moment – Pentagon
Following the shelling of the US occupation forces' base in Deir Ezzor, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl said that the US is tracking the reports of the exchange of fire in Syria, and it reiterates that it will not hesitate to defend itself if attacked.
"On the Syria strikes, we're tracking the same reports as you that there's been an exchange in Syria. I don't have any details to provide you with," Kahl said during a press briefing.
Kahl emphasized that the US is not going to tolerate attacks by "Iran-backed" forces anywhere in the world, including in Syria, and will not hesitate to protect itself and take additional appropriate measures.