The U.S. military launched airstrikes on two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran-backed militias, the Pentagon announced on Sunday.
The strikes were a response to the recent attacks on U.S. personnel and interests in Iraq and Syria, which have escalated amid the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza.
According to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the targets were a training facility in Abu Kamal and a safe house in Mayadin, both located in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor.
The U.S. had previously struck similar facilities in the same area in October and earlier this month.
The Pentagon said the strikes were authorized by President Joe Biden to send a clear message that the U.S. was defending itself, its allies, and its partners from the threats posed by Iran and its proxies.
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The U.S. also warned that it was prepared to take further action if necessary to protect its people and interests.
The U.S. has been facing increased attacks from pro-Iranian militias in Syria and Iraq, who have been retaliating for the Israeli military campaign against Hamas militants in Gaza.
The violence in the region has intensified since October 7, when Hamas launched deadly raids in southern Israel, triggering a massive Israeli response that has killed hundreds of Palestinians and displaced thousands more.
To deter further attacks and support its allies, the U.S. has deployed additional weapons systems, warships and air squadrons to the Eastern Mediterranean and has sent hundreds of troops to the Middle East. The U.S. has also been coordinating with its regional partners, such as Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt, to de-escalate the situation and restore stability.