Iranian-backed militants in Syria have picked up attacks on US forces in the region, with US military using its air superiority to neutralize multiple threats in the last 24 hours, according to Task and Purpose.

An unknown number of AC-130 gunships, AH-64 Apache helicopters, and M777 howitzers were trained on the attackers throughout the day.  “We will respond appropriately and proportionally to attacks on our servicemembers,” Army Gen. Michael Kurilla, head of the US Central Command, said in a statement. “No group will strike at our troops with impunity. We will take all necessary measures to defend our people.”

The attacks have ramped up since August 15th, when Iranian-backed militants launched a drone attack on a Syrian troop training facility run by US forces and soldiers from the US-backed group Maghaweir al-Thowra.  No one was injured in that attack, but in the subsequent counterattacks and counter-counterattacks, four militants have been confirmed killed.

“Over the last few weeks, malign external actors have conduced hostile actions against the coalition and our partners with increasing frequency,” Army Maj. Gen.Maj. Gen. John Brennan, who leads U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, said in a statement on Thursday. “We will not tolerate these brazen attacks and will aggressively respond by employing any and all means at our disposal to protect and defend ourselves, our partners, and innocent civilians. Such malign activities only serve to distract us in our collective campaign to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and needlessly place innocent civilians and our homeland at risk.”