The conflict between Syria and the United States dates back to the 1950s when Syria aligned itself with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Over the years, tensions have escalated due to several issues:
1. Support for Opposing Factions: The US supports certain rebel groups fighting against the Syrian government led by President Bashar al-Assad, whom the US and its allies have accused of war crimes and human rights abuses. Assad, on the other hand, receives backing from Russia, Iran, and other regional allies.
2. Chemical Weapons Allegations: The Syrian government has been repeatedly accused of using chemical weapons against civilians and rebel groups. In response, the US and its allies have carried out several military strikes targeting alleged chemical weapons facilities in Syria.
3. Proxy War and Regional Rivalry: Syria has become a proxy battlefield in a more extensive regional struggle for influence. Saudi Arabia and regional Sunni countries support rebel groups opposing Assad, while Iran backs the Syrian government alongside Russia and Lebanese Hezbollah. The US is involved in the conflict partly to counter Iran's regional influence.
4. Impact on Civilians: The Syrian civil war has resulted in massive humanitarian consequences, with significant displacement, loss of life, and human rights abuses documented by the United Nations and human rights organizations. Both the Syrian government and rebel groups have been held accountable for war crimes.
5. US Intervention: Since 2014, the US has conducted airstrikes in Syria against ISIS militants as part of a multinational Coalition. However, its direct military involvement in the conflict against the Syrian government has been limited compared to some of its regional allies and Russia.
The complex interactions of geopolitical interests, proxy wars, human rights concerns, and the desire to combat extremism have contributed to the tense relations and occasional confrontations between Syria and the United States.