U.S. Retaliatory Strikes Target Iran-Backed Militias Following Jordan Attack
The United States military conducted airstrikes on Friday in Iraq and Syria, targeting more than 85 sites associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and its supported militias. The retaliation was in response to an attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of three U.S. troops. The strikes, which involved long-range B-1 bombers, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Details of the Strikes: The U.S. military targeted various locations, including command and control centers, rocket and missile storage facilities, as well as logistics and munition supply chain facilities. The strikes focused on the Quds Force, the foreign espionage and paramilitary arm of the IRGC, which exerts influence over allied militias across the Middle East. The attacks spanned seven locations, with four in Syria and three in Iraq.
U.S. Lieutenant General Douglas Sims, the director of the Joint Staff, stated that the strikes appeared to be successful, causing large secondary explosions as they hit militant weaponry. However, it remained unclear if any militants were killed in the operation. The Syrian Defense Ministry reported civilian and military casualties, denouncing the U.S. actions as “blatant air aggression.”
Iraqi Response and Concerns
The Iraqi military criticized the airstrikes, considering them a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. The Iraqi government expressed concerns that such actions could ignite instability in the region. Iraqi military spokesman Yahya Rasool emphasized the potential dire consequences and called for respect for Iraqi sovereignty.
Lieutenant General Sims highlighted that the strikes were undertaken with the understanding that there might be casualties among those in the targeted facilities. Weather conditions were cited as a key factor influencing the timing of the operation.
As of now, there has been no public response from Iran. Iranian state television referred to the American forces as “terrorist forces.” The international community is closely watching the developments, with concerns about the broader implications of the escalating conflict.
Background on Jordan Attack
The airstrikes were a retaliatory response to an attack in Jordan that resulted in the death of three U.S. soldiers and injuries to more than 40 others. The United States attributed the drone used in the attack to Iran. President Joe Biden vowed that the response had begun and would continue at times and places of their choosing.
Statements from U.S. Officials: U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin asserted that the strikes marked the start of their response to the IRGC and its affiliates. Despite the retaliatory actions, the Pentagon emphasized that it does not seek war with Iran and does not believe Iran desires war either. The Biden administration faced criticism from Republican lawmakers, with accusations of a delayed and insufficient response.
Iran’s Position
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated that Iran would not initiate a war but would respond strongly to any attempts to bully the country. The Iranian government has not yet issued an official response to the recent U.S. airstrikes.
Continued Regional Tensions: Tensions in the region have been escalating, with over 160 attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. The situation is complicated by Iranian advisers supporting armed groups in Iraq and Syria.
Impact on Iraq
The Iraqi government and the U.S. have agreed to establish a committee to discuss the future of the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq. Talks aim to set a timetable for the phased withdrawal of troops and the conclusion of the coalition against the Islamic State. The Iraqi government was reportedly notified ahead of time about the recent U.S. strikes.
Kataib Hezbollah, blamed by the U.S. for the Jordan attack, declared a pause in attacks on U.S. forces. However, another Iran-backed group, Nujaba, expressed its intent to continue launching attacks until the Gaza conflict ends and U.S. forces withdraw from Iraq.
The recent U.S. airstrikes in Iraq and Syria underscore the heightened tensions in the region following the attack in Jordan. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and their potential ramifications on the broader Middle East. The complexities of regional dynamics, ongoing conflicts, and the involvement of various armed groups contribute to the challenges in finding a diplomatic resolution to the escalating tensions.
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