UN calls for restraint in wake of U.S. airstrikes in Syria

The United Nations on Wednesday called for restraint following U.S. airstrikes in eastern Syria.

"We're obviously very much aware of these airstrikes. Our concern is at the very volatile nature of the situation in the region, and our call is the same for all the players that are involved in Syria, and that is for them to exercise restraint and avoid escalation," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"We've always been strong proponents and vocal in defending the territorial integrity of Syria," he told a daily press briefing.

The U.S. military on Tuesday launched airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups in Deir ez-Zor, Syria. The U.S. strikes targeted infrastructure facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the U.S. Central Command in a statement.