SecDef Austin on retaliatory strikes carried out in Syria moments ago:

"Today, at President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces conducted self-defense strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated groups.

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) October 27, 2023

As a result of these attacks, one U.S. citizen contractor died from a cardiac incident while sheltering in place; 21 U.S. personnel suffered from minor injuries, but all have since returned to duty.

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) October 27, 2023

The United States does not seek conflict and has no intention nor desire to engage in further hostilities, but these Iranian-backed attacks against U.S. forces are unacceptable and must stop.

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) October 27, 2023

These narrowly-tailored strikes in self-defense were intended solely to protect and defend U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) October 27, 2023

We continue to urge all state and non-state entities not to take action that would escalate into a broader regional conflict.

— Jacqui Heinrich (@JacquiHeinrich) October 27, 2023