US Forces Come Under Fire in Syria Following Airstrikes Against Iran-Backed Militia

The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Va., on Oct. 9, 2020. Carlos Barria/Reuters

U.S. troops in eastern Syria came under rocket fire on Monday night, shortly after President Joe Biden ordered airstrikes against Iran-backed militia groups embedded at the Iraq–Syria border region.

Col. Wayne Maratto, a spokesman for the U.S.-led mission in Syria, said U.S. forces responded to the rocket fire in self defense by firing back at the rocket launching positions.