In retaliation to the drone attack that killed three US soldiers in Jordan, the US military opened a major air attack on over 85 targets in seven sites in Iraq and Syria. The strikes targeted Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, indicating vengeance for the previous attack.
The comprehensive strike, which included over 125 precision munitions and numerous aircraft, including long-range B-1 bombers, targeted command and control headquarters, intelligence centers, and rocket, missile, drone and ammunition storage facilities.
“Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing,” Biden stated in a statement. “The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.”
According to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, the targets were carefully chosen to prevent deaths among civilians. However, deaths were recorded in Syria, with Syrian official media citing unidentified casualties and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reporting 18 militants dead.
Yahya Rasool, a spokesperson for the Iraqi army, condemned the strikes as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and said that they pose a threat to the region and undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government.