The strikes targeted a weapons storage facility in eastern Syria that officials believe was being used by the militants responsible for the attacks.

The decision to carry out the strikes was made by President Biden and executed by US warplanes on Wednesday. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the operation, stating that it was a response to a series of attacks on US personnel by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated groups.

"The President has no higher priority than the safety of US personnel, and he directed today's action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests," said Austin.

The recent airstrikes mark the second time the US has taken military action against Iran-backed militants in Syria. Previously, on October 27, US fighter jets targeted two weapons and ammunition facilities also used by the IRGC and its affiliated groups.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh revealed that between October 17 and November 7, US forces had been subjected to at least 40 attacks. The majority of these attacks occurred after the first round of airstrikes in October.

These attacks have resulted in injuries to US service members, with 46 individuals identified with signs of traumatic brain injuries, perforated eardrums, tinnitus, and rolled ankles, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Defense Secretary Austin has made it clear that the US is fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect its people and facilities. However, he also urged against any escalation. US personnel will continue to conduct counter-ISIS missions in Iraq and Syria.

"Iran wants to hide its hand and deny its role in these attacks against our forces. We will not let them. If attacks by Iran's proxies against US forces continue, we will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people," Austin stated in a previous statement.

Experts in the field, such as Mick Mulroy, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, believe that responding to these attacks is crucial to deterring further aggression.

"Part of any good defense is a good offense, and to respond to the near constant attacks by Iranian-backed and directed groups in a manner that deters further attacks," Mulroy explained.

The US remains committed to defending its personnel and interests in the region and will take necessary actions to ensure their safety. The situation continues to evolve, and further developments can be expected as tensions persist between the US and Iran-backed groups.