Iran has called
US airstrikes targeting pro-Iranian groups in Syria a "
terrorist attack " in response to a deadly drone attack.
At least 19 people, mostly Syrians, died in these strikes that occurred overnight from Thursday to Friday in eastern Syria, according to the latest report established by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (OSDH).
The Iranian Foreign Ministry denounced, in a press release published on the night of Saturday to Sunday, "
the terrorist and aggressive attack carried out by the American army on civilian targets in the city of Deir Ezzor
".
"
The United States continues to have an illegal military presence, to occupy different locations in Syria and to attack various targets, which represents a violation of international laws, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country",
continued ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani in the statement.
Fight terrorism
"
The United States claims to be present in Syria to fight ISIS (the Islamic State group), (...) which is just an excuse to continue the occupation and the plunder of the wealth of Syria, including its resources energy and cereals
", according to him.
The spokesman claimed that "
military advisers of the Islamic Republic of Iran were present in Syria at the request of the Syrian government and with the aim of helping the country to fight against terrorism
".
Iran "
will stand by Syria to help establish lasting peace, stability and security
", he added.
Washington said it carried out the strikes after Thursday's attack by an "
Iranian-origin
" drone on a US-led international coalition base near Hassakeh in northeastern Syria, which killed caused the death of an American contractor.
Another contractor and five soldiers were injured.
After the strikes, US President Joe Biden said the United States "
does not seek conflict with Iran, but (is) prepared to act forcefully to protect its people
".
