In response to escalating attacks on U.S. personnel, U.S. Central Command conducted nine strikes against Iranian-backed militia targets in Syria. The strikes, aimed at degrading their ability to coordinate future attacks, underscore the U.S. commitment to protect its forces in the region amid increasing tensions linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. U.S. troops in Syria, totaling around 900, have been under heightened threat since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war and previous incidents have resulted in injuries to American service members. Central Command emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards attacks on U.S. troops.