The U.S. hints at more strikes unless Iran-linked groups halt attacks. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking on Monday hours after nighttime U.S. air strikes in Syria, left open the potential for more strikes against organizations with ties to Iran if attacks against American soldiers in Iraq and Syria do not cease. The strikes were carried out in Syria.

Late on Sunday night, the United States military carried out its third air attack in Syria within the past two weeks. The strikes targeted a training center close to the city of Albu Kamal as well as a safe house close to the city of Mayadeen.

In recent weeks, Iran-backed militants have launched at least 40 attacks on United States and coalition soldiers stationed in Iraq and Syria. These strikes come as regional tensions continue to rise as a result of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. At least 45 American service members have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries or have received minor wounds.

At a press conference in Seoul, Austin told the media, “These attacks must stop, and if they don’t stop, then we won’t hesitate to do what’s necessary, again, to protect the troops.” Austin was speaking about the attacks that have been taking place. According to Austin, the most recent airstrikes in eastern Syria targeted the Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran and other Iranian-affiliated groups’ infrastructure.

“These strikes are intended to disrupt and degrade the freedom of action of these groups, which are directly responsible for attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria,” according to Austin.

The United States now maintains 900 troops stationed in Syria and 2,500 more in the adjacent country of Iraq. These troops are there to provide advice and assistance to local forces as they work to avoid a recurrence of the Islamic State, which in 2014 overran vast swaths of both countries but was ultimately defeated.

There is a growing fear that the battle between Israel and Hamas might expand throughout the Middle East and make American troops stationed at isolated outposts targets of more potent weaponry than the smaller rockets and one-way drones that have been seen so far in the fight.

Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas broke out on October 7, the United States has committed two aircraft carriers, more air defenses, warships, and fighter planes to the region to discourage Iran and forces backed by Iran. This includes the deployment of additional air defenses.

The region now has thousands upon thousands of more soldiers to defend it. The United States military is taking extra precautions, according to a Reuters report, to protect its personnel stationed in the Middle East from the rise in attacks by groups that are believed to be Iran-sponsored. The military is also reportedly leaving the door open to the idea of removing military families if that becomes necessary.

Officials said the steps include increasing the number of military patrols conducted by the United States, limiting access to facilities on military bases, and increasing the amount of intelligence gathered via drones and other surveillance activities.

It was not immediately apparent whether or not any civilians had been killed in the most recent round of U.S. attacks. An official from the United States, commenting on the condition of anonymity, stated that the United States is now conducting an investigation.