Syria. (November 15, 2024): American forces struck back this week against Iranian-sponsored forces after two recent attacks against U.S. outposts in this war-torn nation. In this photo by Staff Sergeant Emma Scearce, a soldier on dismounted patrol gives candy to children as they pass through a local village. He is one of the approximately 900 U.S. troops in Syria working with local partners to defeat the remnants of the Islamic State group.

The American response came amid a new round of attacks, the second strike on U.S. personnel in two days, consisting of an Unmanned Airial Vehicle (UAV) strike and indirect rocket fire. There were no injuries and little damage was reported. The U.S. response targeted the militia groups’ weapons storage and logistics facilities, according to Central Command.