Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, October 22, 2021

The attack on a military outpost in southern Syria this week did not result in any American casualties, but the U.S. military considers it to be a serious but failed attempt to take American lives.  Do you know who’s responsible?  And what is the administration doing to prevent another attack or hold the perpetrators accountable?

MS. PSAKI:  I don’t have any updates for you on the — on the responsibility.  And, of course, what happened is something that is great concern to us.  I have nothing to preview in terms of what additional steps will be.

Q    To follow up: Some governments, including U.S. partners in the region, have moved toward normalizing relations with the Assad regime.  Has the administration directly urged its counterparts against doing so?

MS. PSAKI:  Nothing has changed about the U.S. position as it relates to the Assad regime.  In terms of private diplomatic conversations, I’d point you to the State Department. 

Q    Just lastly, because, you know, there was a broader sanc- — review of sanctions policy by the Treasury Department that was released this week.  It stated sanctions are most effective on a multilateral basis. 

So if other countries, including U.S. partners, are resuming diplomatic and commercial ties with Syria, does it not undermine U.S. sanctions?  And what does the administration plan to do about it?

MS. PSAKI:  Under — say that last part one more time?

Q    Does it not undermine U.S. sanctions if other partners are resuming diplomatic and commercial ties with the Assad regime?  Is there anything the administration plans to do about that?

MS. PSAKI:  I don’t have anything to preview for you at this point in time.  I, again, would point you to the State Department.

Our view of the Assad regime has not changed.  I would note, on the attack, which you asked me about — let me give you all a little bit more context on that: U.S. Central Command confirmed last night and put out a statement — or maybe it was earlier, sorry — that the — the al-Tanf garrison area was subjected to a deliberate and coordinated attack.  Initial reports indicate both unmanned aerial systems and rockets were used in the attack.  All U.S. personnel have been accounted for.  We’re not aware of any injuries to U.S. personnel at this time.  Of course, we always reserve the right to respond.  As I noted, we have nothing to preview on that front.  And we’re still investigating.