The Syrian American Council and Americans for a Free Syria Welcome Strikes Against Iran-Backed Terrorist Militias in Syria
The administration’s decision to carry out airstrikes against an Iranian-backed militia in al-Bukamal should be the start of a more assertive foreign policy towards Iran
WASHINGTON D.C., February 27, 2021 – The Syrian American Council and Americans for a Free Syria applaud the Biden administration’s decision to respond to the recent attacks on U.S. interests by Iranian-backed terrorist groups with airstrikes that signal a tough stance on Iran, a position the undersigned organizations hope to see continued through a foreign policy that prioritizes the humanitarian and security situation in Syria. These airstrikes make it clear that strong responses to Iran’s malign activities through its proxies in Syria can - and should - be a consistent feature of the administration’s regional strategy.
“Iran has shown their intention to expand their regional influence through proxies in Syria and Iraq that not only pose a threat to the civilians living in the region, but also to the American service members stationed abroad. This proportional response to an attack on U.S. interests sends a message to Iran and its allies that the United States will not tolerate such hostilities,” said Dr. Zaki Lababidi, president of the Syrian American Council. “Syrian civilians know the destabilizing actions of Iran too well, as their proxies partner with the murderous Bashar al-Assad to destroy and kill with impunity in Syria. President Biden should continue to push back against the Syrian regime and Iran, and show the world that human rights and the pursuit of democracy in Syria are a priority to his administration.”
The humanitarian situation in Syria is dire, and the actions of Russian and Iranian proxies further exacerbate the state of human rights. The Syrian American Council and Americans for a Free Syria commend the administration's response to the recent rocket attack on U.S. military forces in Erbil, Iraq. The undersigned organizations hope that these actions serve as a signal to the Assad regime that Iranian proxies will not be tolerated on their soil, nor in the region, and as a signal to Iran that any further aggression will be met with a swift and proportional response.
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