US Servicemen Wounded in Drone Attack in Syria as Tensions Escalate

Several US troops sustained minor injuries during a one-way drone attack in Syria on Friday, with some transported for further evaluation, CBS News reports, citing the Pentagon.

“Several US and coalition personnel were treated for minor injuries, including smoke inhalation,” Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters, adding that others are being examined for potential traumatic brain injuries.

He did not disclose the exact number of injured personnel.

The drone strike targeted the Rumalyn Landing Zone, a site for US and partner forces involved in the global coalition against ISIS. Initial assessments indicate minor damage to one facility, with US Central Command still evaluating the situation.

This attack marks the second incident in a week causing injuries to U.S. personnel; a previous rocket attack on al-Asad air base in Iraq had injured four US service members and one contractor, with three evacuees sent to a hospital in Germany for non-life-threatening injuries.

While the Pentagon has not identified the attackers, past incidents have often involved Iran-backed militia groups. Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, attacks on US forces in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan have surged, totaling over 180 since then, although a lull had been observed since February.

Currently, there are some 900 US troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq, according to the media outlet.