Senior ISIS commander killed by American-led drone strike in Syria
FOX NewsFEB 22 2023
US Says It Carried out Strike Against ‘Imminent Threat’ in Syria
Above: Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder holds a Pentagon press conference as Defense Department spokesman. Photo from Sept. 12, 2024. Image copyright: Celal Gunes/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
On Tuesday, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder confirmed a US strike targeting military weapons systems that allegedly "presented a clear and imminent threat" to US personnel in eastern Syria.
Ryder said US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces destroyed multiple weapons systems, including three rocket launchers, a T-64 tank, and mortars.
The strike was reportedly in reaction to a missile attack near the Military Support Site (MMS) Euphrates, a US outpost in eastern Syria. The Pentagon asserts that the action had no connection to the rebel advance in western Syria.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
CENTCOM identified a threat to US soldiers and coalition forces in Syria, effectively engaging and destroying numerous weapon systems. Rockets fired from mobile multiple rocket launchers landed near US soldiers, prompting the self-defense strike. The strike was in compliance with the current rules of engagement.
Establishment-critical narrative
Washington is trying to sustain its illegal control over the resource-rich northeastern provinces of Syria. The US and its allies are seizing every opportunity to create instability in Syria by imposing sanctions that damage the country's economy while also supporting former al-Qaeda affiliates. This is a flawed strategy, as these groups often ultimately turn against their patrons.
Metaculus Prediction
Establishment split
CRITICAL
PRO
More neutral establishment stance articles
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