WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - The U.S. military conducted precision strikes on two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its supported groups, the Pentagon announced on Thursday. These strikes were in direct response to a recent surge in attacks against U.S. forces in both Iraq and Syria.

Over the past week, tensions escalated amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict, resulting in at least 19 attacks on U.S. and coalition troops in both countries, all carried out by Iran-backed forces. In a statement, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed the situation, stating, "These precision self-defense strikes are a response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17."

The decision to carry out the strikes was made by President Joe Biden in an effort to safeguard American forces. Secretary Austin emphasized, "These Iranian-backed attacks against U.S. forces are unacceptable and must stop." He further warned that if the attacks persist, necessary measures would be taken to protect U.S. military personnel.

The strikes occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Friday in Syria, near the town of Abu Kamal, which sits on the border with Iraq. Two F-16 fighter jets executed the operation, utilizing precision munitions. A senior U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the targets were weapons and munitions storage facilities.

This is not the first time that the United States has conducted retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed groups in the region. In March, the U.S. military carried out multiple airstrikes in Syria, retaliating against Iran-aligned groups responsible for a drone attack that resulted in the death of an American contractor.

In a rare move, President Biden sent a message to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning Tehran against targeting U.S. personnel in the Middle East. The United States currently maintains approximately 900 troops in Syria and an additional 2,500 in neighboring Iraq. These troops are involved in advising and assisting local forces in keeping Islamic State at bay, after the militant group seized significant portions of both countries in 2014.

With concerns over the Israel-Hamas conflict spreading across the Middle East, there is growing apprehension regarding the safety of U.S. troops stationed at isolated bases. A senior U.S. defense official stated, "What we want is for Iran to take very specific actions, to direct its militias and proxies to stand down."

Notably, the United States did not coordinate these recent strikes with Israel. Last week, a U.S. warship intercepted and destroyed drones and cruise missiles launched by Iran-backed Houthis off the coast of Yemen. Tragically, a civilian contractor at Al-Asad air base in Iraq passed away due to cardiac arrest during a false alarm.

In response to the escalating situation, the United States has deployed additional warships and fighter aircraft to the region, including two aircraft carriers. These actions are intended to deter Iran and Iran-backed groups. Reuters has reported that the U.S. military has taken additional measures to protect its Middle East forces, including increased patrols, restricted access to base facilities, and enhanced intelligence collection through drone and other surveillance operations. There is also the possibility of evacuating military families if deemed necessary.

As tensions persist, the United States remains committed to safeguarding its personnel and interests in the region, emphasizing that attacks from Iranian-backed forces will not be tolerated.