The United States-led Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) reported that several explosive laden drones attempted to carry out attacks in the vicinity of the Al-Tanf base in Syria early Monday morning against Coalition and partnered Maghaweir al-Thowra (MaT) rebels, however, no casualties were reported.
Coalition leaders condemn ineffective al-Tanf Garrison attack . pic.twitter.com/BuK3aBenEv
— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) August 15, 2022
In an initial press release, CJTF-OIR reported that “Coalition Forces successfully engaged one UAS preventing its impact. A second UAS detonated within a MaT forces compound resulting in zero casualties or reported damage. The other attempted one-way UAS strikes were not successful.”
In a subsequent press release, CJTF-OIR stated that “Thanks to the robust counter measures in place to protect the Coalition Forces and the Maghaweir al-Thowra partner forces, the UAS attack resulted in zero casualties and no damage.”
This morning, Al Tanf was attacked by enemy drones equipped with explosives intended to kill our soldiers. The MaT and US Forces responded with courage, suffering no casualties. We stand together ready to defend the 55km and fight for a free Syria #Tanf #CJTF #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/4fCYF4Vnyq
— ?????? ?????? (@MaghaweirThowra) August 15, 2022
Maj. Gen. John Brennan, the commander of CJTF-OIR, added that “Such indiscriminate actions highlight a complete disregard for innocent lives and they undermine the effort to maintain the lasting defeat of ISIS,” Brennan said. “We will not hesitate to use our right to defend ourselves; and this was clearly demonstrated by our coordinated actions this morning. We will continue to take appropriate measures to protect our forces.”
While it was not specified who carried out the attack, it bears the hallmark of Iranian-backed militia forces. Back in October, 2021, Iranian-backed militia forces were suspected to have targeted the base using several explosive drones, but resulted in zero casualties. The 2021 attack came in the immediate aftermath of Israeli airstrikes against Iranina targets in Syria. This latest attack came as Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranina targets in Tartus, Syria. Iran-backed militias routinely carry out attacks in Iraq against American targets in retaliation for Israeli air strikes.
