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Strikes in Syria Using A-10 Close Air Support Aircraft Confirmed by United States.
The Pentagon has confirmed a series of airstrikes in Syria involving Fairchild Republic A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft. These strikes, carried out at the end of November 2024, were described as defensive actions aimed at protecting U.S. and coalition forces in the region.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, often nicknamed the “Warthog,” continues to play a critical role in U.S. operations, providing close air support. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Reports and videos circulating on social media platforms, including X and Threads, show A-10 aircraft operating in Syrian airspace. These recordings, published on December 3, depict the aircraft flying at low altitude over what is claimed to be Deir ez-Zor, an area far from recent rebel offensives in northwestern Syria. In one video, an A-10 is seen maneuvering swiftly over a dense urban landscape, deploying countermeasure flares before departing.
The Pentagon officially confirmed the use of A-10Cs on November 29. According to Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder, “U.S. Central Command successfully engaged a hostile target using A-10 fighter aircraft, which posed a threat to U.S. and coalition forces.”
The United States maintains a small military presence in Syria, focused on combating remnants of the Islamic State group. The region remains fragmented, with territories controlled by various groups, including U.S.-backed rebel factions, while the government of Bashar al-Assad receives support from Russia and Iran.
In October 2024, a squadron of A-10Cs was deployed to an undisclosed location in the Middle East, reinforcing the U.S. air presence in the region. The A-10, renowned for its durability and firepower, is equipped with the GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon, capable of destroying armored targets. Videos posted online feature the distinctive sound of this cannon in action, although their authenticity has not been independently verified.
The Pentagon clarified that these strikes were not connected to recent rebel offensives against Syrian government forces, particularly in Aleppo. “The self-defense actions… have no connection to operations currently taking place around Aleppo or northwestern Syria,” Ryder emphasized.
On December 3, the Pentagon reported additional strikes in response to rocket and mortar fire near the Euphrates Military Support Site, a U.S. base in Syria. These retaliatory actions destroyed three rocket artillery systems and a Soviet-era T-64 tank deemed to pose an imminent threat.
Washington has consistently conducted strikes in Syria over the past year to protect its forces and allies. Earlier in 2024, the U.S. Air Force deployed Boeing B-1B Lancer bombers for long-range missions in the region.
Although the Pentagon denies direct involvement in the rebel offensive against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the conflict in Syria remains volatile. The latest attack by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, has enabled rebel forces to make significant advances. Russian airstrikes in Aleppo and Idlib have targeted these militants, with reports of civilian casualties.
Additionally, Iranian-backed militias traveling from Iraq to support Damascus were reportedly struck by airstrikes in eastern Syria, though these claims have not been independently verified.
Despite the complex dynamics, the Pentagon insists that its mission in Syria is limited to preventing a resurgence of the Islamic State. U.S.-backed Kurdish militias and Iraqi forces drove the Islamic State out of Iraq in 2017, but isolated pockets remain active in Syria.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, often nicknamed the “Warthog,” continues to play a critical role in U.S. operations, providing close air support while preserving fourth- and fifth-generation multirole fighters for missions in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
The A-10 Thunderbolt II, nicknamed the "Warthog," is an American aircraft specialized in close air support, forward air control, and combat search and rescue missions. Designed to be robust and effective, it is powered by two General Electric TF34-GE-100 turbofan engines, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 706 km/h and a range of 4,150 km. It is armed with the iconic GAU-8 Avenger 30mm cannon, capable of destroying armored targets, and equipped with a head-up display (HUD) to enhance precision during missions. With a reinforced structure and a titanium-protected cockpit, the A-10 is built to withstand enemy fire while operating at low altitudes. Its dimensions (18.90 m in length, 13.56 m in wingspan, and 5.08 m in height) and a maximum takeoff weight of 23,000 kg highlight its strategic role in ground support operations.
As tensions persist, U.S. forces remain committed to safeguarding their personnel and assets while avoiding direct involvement in the broader conflicts in Syria.