US Launches Airstrike Against Iranian-Backed Militia In Syria

The United States has reportedly carried out an airstrike in Syria against a structure belonging to what it said were Iran-backed militia, according to multiple news outlets that cited Pentagon officials.

The strike on Thursday comes after a series of recent rocket attacks against US targets in Iraq.

The strike was approved by Joe Biden, and carried out in order to damage the group’s ability to wage future attacks, according to officials who spoke anonymously with Reuters and Politico.

The United States launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday, targeting facilities near the Iraqi border used by Iranian-backed militia groups. The Pentagon said the strikes were retaliation for a rocket attack in Iraq earlier this month that killed one civilian contractor and wounded a U.S. service member and other coalition troops.

The airstrike was the first military action undertaken by the Biden administration, which in its first weeks has emphasized its intent to put more focus on the challenges posed by China, even as Mideast threats persist.

“This proportionate military...