Washington, 13 November 2023 (dpa/MIA) — The US military struck two facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran-affiliated groups in response to "continued attacks" against US personnel in Iraq and Syria, the Pentagon said on Sunday.

The strikes were conducted against a training facility in Abu Kamal and a safe house in Mayadin in the eastern governorate of Deir Ezzor, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a brief statement.

The US struck similar targets in eastern Syria in October and earlier in November.

Pro-Iranian militias have intensified their attacks on US military bases in Syria and Iraq in recent weeks as a response to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.

The security situation in the entire region has been particularly tense since October 7, when Hamas militants staged deadly attacks in southern Israel. Israel is responding with an overwhelming air and ground offensive in Gaza.

As a deterrent, the US has moved more weapons systems, warships and air squadrons to the Eastern Mediterranean, and is deploying several hundred troops to the Middle East to support US units there.

US President Joe Biden had ordered Sunday's action to make it clear that the US was defending itself, its personnel and its interests, Austin stressed.

The US is prepared to take further necessary measures to protect its own people and interests.