Iran-backed militias strike coalition base in Syria: Monitor

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Suspected Iranian-backed militias targeted a military base of the US-led coalition in central Syria overnight on Wednesday, according to a war monitor, with no reports of casualties yet.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that three drones, allegedly fired by pro-Iran militias, targeted the Al-Tanf Garrison, housing US troops in Homs province, hours after the monitor reported that the base was put on alert in anticipation of drone attacks from Iranian and Iraqi militias under the pretext of “revenge for Gaza.”

Two of the drones were shot down by the coalition forces, while one hit the base, SOHR added.

The coalition has yet to confirm the attack, and no parties have so far claimed responsibility.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) late Wednesday confirmed that two separate drone strikes targeted two of its bases, one in western Iraq and another in the north, causing minor injuries to coalition troops.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a network of shadow Iraqi militia groups backed by Iran and affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed responsibility for the attack on Harir airbase in Erbil province, describing it as a retaliatory measure to Washington’s support for Israel.

Iran and Iranian-backed forces have warned that they hold the US accountable for giving Israel the free rein to carry out airstrikes on Gaza.

Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire along the border in southern Lebanon since October 7 when violence broke out following a Hamas attack on Israelis.