U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement following a deadly attack by an Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) in Syria that killed a U.S. contractor and injured five U.S. servicemembers and one additional U.S. contractor. According to the Department of Defense, the Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) is of Iranian origin and was used by groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The U.S. conducted precision airstrikes in response.
"I am praying for the family and loved ones of the American contractor that was killed and the American contractor and servicemembers that were injured in this horrific attack by IRGC-backed proxies.
"This is a warning: any terrorist reckless enough to attack U.S. forces will face a swift and decisive response. U.S. operations against IRGC-backed terror groups, including yesterday's airstrikes, are critical aspects of our counterterrorism efforts – our military will respond with force against those who harm Americans.
"Yesterday, CENTCOM Commander Gen. Kurilla told our committee that Iran-backed proxies have attacked U.S. forces ‘about 78 times' since January 1st, 2021. It needs to be understood that the IRGC and their proxies are terrorists who seek to harm Americans and undermine our national security and they will be treated as such."