US Says Failed Rocket Attack Targeted American Troops in Syria

US soldiers are seen during a joint military exercise between US-led forces and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province on September 7, 2022. (AFP)
US soldiers are seen during a joint military exercise between US-led forces and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province on September 7, 2022. (AFP)
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US Says Failed Rocket Attack Targeted American Troops in Syria

US soldiers are seen during a joint military exercise between US-led forces and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province on September 7, 2022. (AFP)
US soldiers are seen during a joint military exercise between US-led forces and members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province on September 7, 2022. (AFP)

The US military said late on Saturday that unidentified forces fired a rocket at a compound in Syria hosting US troops and partnered local forces, but failed to cause any injuries or damage.

The military, in a short statement, said the 107 mm rocket failed to impact anything inside the Rumalyn Landing Zone US compound in northeast Syria.

"Additional rockets were found at the launch site," said the US military's Central Command, which oversees US troops in the Middle East.

Central Command did not say who it believed might be responsible for the failed attack.

It came just two days after a rare US helicopter raid on a government-held village in Syria's northeast killed an ISIS militant on Thursday, followed hours later by a separate US air strike later that killed two other militants.

US forces first deployed into Syria during the Obama administration's campaign against ISIS, partnering with a Kurdish-led group called the Syrian Democratic Forces. There are about 900 US troops in Syria, most of them in the east.

Still, Washington has blamed Iran-backed militias for attacks on American troops in recent months. Those Iran-backed forces established a foothold in Syria while fighting in support of President Bashar al-Assad during Syria's war.



Arab Coalition Denies Houthi Leader’s Claims on Brother’s Remains

Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
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Arab Coalition Denies Houthi Leader’s Claims on Brother’s Remains

Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB
Houthi supporters shout slogans as they hold their weapons up during a rally marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, in Sanaa, Yemen, 29 November 2024. EPA/YAHYA ARHAB

The Saudi-led Arab Coalition’s spokesman, Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, has denied Houthi leader Hussein Al-Ezzi's claims of a recent handover of his brother's body, calling them misleading.

Al-Maliki told Asharq Al-Awsat that the claims, circulated by Houthi-linked outlets, are “inaccurate and lack credibility.”

He clarified that the exchange of remains took place in June 2023, involving the recovery of nine Saudi soldiers and 20 Yemeni army personnel, as well as the return of 57 Houthi fighters killed at the border.

Hussein Al-Ezzi, a senior Houthi figure and former deputy foreign minister in Yemen’s unrecognized government, announced his brother’s death in a post on X, accompanied by a photo.

Al-Ezzi stated there would be no condolence gathering, claiming the focus should remain on the group’s fight against Israel.

When asked about the timing of the announcement, Al-Maliki dismissed the claims as misleading.

"Such statements are likely made for internal Houthi reasons. Notably, the name mentioned was not among those listed during negotiations for body exchanges. It’s possible this individual was killed in regional conflicts,” Al-Maliki said.

Al-Maliki emphasized that the coalition views the exchange of prisoners and remains as a strictly humanitarian matter.

“This issue should not be politicized by any party, in line with Islamic values, humanitarian principles, and cultural traditions,” he said.