U.S. Military Activities in Syria... A Deterrent Message?

White House spokesperson John Kirby stated today that U.S. military activities in Syria "target weapons and ammunition and aim to deter Iranian-backed militant groups in the region that have carried out attacks on American soldiers since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict." In an interview with CNN, following U.S. strikes on a facility in eastern Syria, he said, "Last night's target was a weapons and ammunition storage facility, so we know it has a practical impact on their ability to arm those groups, but also to send a strong deterrent message."