ERBIL — Eight US soldiers in Syria were injured last week in a drone attack carried out by militants aligned with Iran, according to Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder.

On Tuesday, Ryder confirmed for the first time that Iranian backed militia groups were responsible for the attack that occurred on Friday. 

“We believe it was carried out by Iranian-backed militia, though we’re still investigating the details,” Ryder said.

He also noted that the injured troops were treated for smoke inhalation and traumatic brain injury, with three of them already returning to duty.

Previously, the US military reported that several American and coalition personnel had been wounded in the drone strike late Friday at Rumalyn Landing Zone in eastern Syria, emphasizing that “none of the injuries are life-threatening.” 

The United States maintains approximately 900 troops in Syria and 2,500 in Iraq to support local forces in preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State.

This drone attack marks the second instance this month where U.S. military personnel in the Middle East have been injured in assaults. 

On August 5, five Americans were injured in a rocket attack on al-Asad air base in Iraq, with three of them being transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for further treatment, according to deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh. 

Since Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas’ deadly October 7 attacks, Iranian-backed militias have carried out dozens of attacks against US forces in the region.