US Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that it conducted airstrikes against nine targets associated with Iranian groups in Syria, following two attacks on US personnel within a 24-hour period. CENTCOM's actions aim to degrade the capabilities of these Iranian-backed groups to plan and execute future assaults on US and coalition forces engaged in operations against ISIS. CENTCOM Commander General Erik Kurilla emphasized the commitment to protect US personnel and respond decisively to any threats.

In a separate discussion, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umarov to review battlefield dynamics and US security assistance to Ukraine. Austin reiterated President Biden's commitment to increasing support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression, highlighting the unprecedented scale of US efforts to equip Ukraine.

Additionally, Secretary Austin is set to embark on a nine-day trip to the Indo-Pacific region, which will include visits to Australia, the Philippines, Laos, and Fiji. This trip marks Austin's twelfth visit to the region and aims to strengthen alliances and partnerships, particularly through participation in the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus in Laos on November 21.

During the briefing, it was clarified that there were no injuries reported among US personnel from the recent attacks in Syria, which included a drone strike and indirect fire from rockets. CENTCOM has faced scrutiny regarding its communication practices, particularly concerning the transparency of reporting injuries to service members. Officials acknowledged the need for improved communication while balancing operational security.

The meeting also touched on the State Department's ongoing evaluation of Israel's compliance with US law regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza, although no definitive conclusions have been reached.