The U.S. military initiated a significant air assault on multiple sites in Iraq and Syria, targeting Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. This action was in retaliation for a drone strike that resulted in the death of three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend.
The extensive barrage hit over 85 targets across seven locations, including command centers, intelligence facilities, and storage sites for rockets, missiles, drones, and ammunition. President Joe Biden stated that these strikes are just the beginning, indicating a planned series of responses.
The U.S. strikes aimed to avoid direct targeting of Iran or senior leaders of the Revolutionary Guard Quds Force within Iran’s borders, emphasizing an effort to prevent further escalation. Iran has denied its involvement in the attack on U.S. troops in Jordan.
The impact of the strikes remains uncertain, as warnings issued by the U.S. may have prompted militia members to go into hiding. While one Iran-backed militia, Kataib Hezbollah, announced a suspension of attacks on American troops, others vowed to continue fighting, aligning themselves with the Palestinian cause amidst ongoing tensions in Gaza.
President Biden emphasized a “tiered response” strategy, indicating that the U.S. will continue taking action at selected times and places. The National Security Council assured that the targets were chosen to minimize civilian casualties, but specific evidence linking them to attacks on U.S. personnel was not disclosed.
The strikes, involving more than 125 precision munitions delivered by various aircraft, lasted approximately 30 minutes. Targets were spread across three sites in Iraq and four in Syria. While the U.S. reported casualties, it’s unclear whether militia members were among them.
Syrian state media acknowledged casualties without providing a number, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 18 militants killed in the Syrian strikes. Iraqi authorities denounced the U.S. airstrikes as a violation of sovereignty, although the U.S. claims to have informed the Iraqi government before conducting the strikes.
The decision to launch the assault came shortly after the return of the remains of three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in the Jordan attack. Iran’s President Raisi warned against bullying Iran, promising a strong response if provoked.
Despite Kataib Hezbollah’s announcement of a temporary suspension of operations, the U.S. proceeded with its strike plans. Another Iran-backed group, Harakat al-Nujaba, pledged to continue military operations against U.S. troops.
The U.S. has attributed the attack in Jordan to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias, with Kataib Hezbollah as a prime suspect. The increased assaults on U.S. bases in recent weeks follow the conflict between Israel and Hamas, heightening tensions in the region.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin labeled the situation a “dangerous moment in the Middle East,” emphasizing the U.S.’s commitment to defending its interests and people. The ongoing conflict has seen 166 attacks on U.S. military installations since October, with the U.S. strengthening defenses in response to the attack in Jordan.
Additionally, on the same day, Israel’s Arrow defense system intercepted a missile from the Red Sea, suspected to be launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The U.S. conducted self-defense strikes in Yemen against Houthi military targets deemed an imminent threat.
The complex geopolitical situation continues to unfold, with the U.S. and its allies navigating a delicate balance to address regional challenges and protect their interests.
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