WASHINGTON. The United States military carried out a significant air assault on multiple sites in Iraq and Syria, targeting Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Friday. This operation marked the initial response to the drone strike that claimed the lives of three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend.
The extensive series of strikes hit more than 85 targets across seven locations, including command and control headquarters, intelligence centers, rockets and missiles, as well as drone and ammunition storage sites. These facilities were linked to either the militias or the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, responsible for Tehran’s support and arming of regional militias. President Joe Biden emphasized in a statement that this was only the beginning of the response.
While the strikes focused on militias in Iraq and Syria, there was a deliberate effort to avoid directly targeting Iran or the senior leaders of the Revolutionary Guard Quds Force within Iranian borders. The intention is to prevent further escalation of the conflict. Iran has consistently denied involvement in the Jordan attack.
The impact of the strikes remains uncertain. The warning given by the U.S. in the preceding days may have prompted militia members to scatter and seek refuge. Given the dispersed nature of the groups operating in various countries, achieving a decisive blow appears challenging.
Although Kataib Hezbollah, one of the main Iran-backed militias, announced a suspension of attacks on American troops, other groups pledged to continue their fight, presenting themselves as advocates for the Palestinian cause amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
President Biden asserted, “Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing.” He cautioned those who pose a threat to Americans, stating, “If you harm an American, we will respond.” U.S. leaders had consistently indicated that the response would be a sustained and “tiered” effort over time.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the targets were selected carefully to avoid civilian casualties, based on clear evidence connecting them to attacks on U.S. personnel in the region. However, he did not disclose specific details of this evidence.
The strikes, conducted over approximately 30 minutes, targeted three sites in Iraq and four in Syria. Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, director of the Joint Staff, reported that more than 125 precision munitions were deployed, involving various aircraft, including long-range B-1 bombers flown from the United States. Weather conditions played a role in planning to confirm accurate targeting and minimize civilian casualties.
While it is unclear whether militia members were killed, Syrian state media reported casualties without specifying a number. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated that 18 militants were killed in the strikes in Syria.
Iraqi army spokesman Yahya Rasool condemned the airstrikes, considering them a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. He warned of undesirable consequences, asserting that the strikes undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government.
The assault occurred shortly after President Biden, along with top defense leaders, attended the return of the remains of the three Army Reserve soldiers killed in Jordan at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi, earlier in the day, reiterated Tehran’s readiness to respond to any U.S. strikes targeting its interests. Kataib Hezbollah’s announcement of suspending military operations did not deter U.S. strike plans, as other groups vowed to continue their activities 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. Kataib Hezbollah is considered a prime suspect. The heightened assaults by these groups have followed Israel’s conflict with Hamas, further inflaming tensions in the Middle East.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is a dangerous moment in the Middle East.” He reassured that the U.S. would take all necessary actions to defend its interests and people.
As of Tuesday, Iran-backed militia groups had launched 166 attacks on U.S. military installations since October 18, with 67 in Iraq, 98 in Syria, and one in Jordan. The recent attack in Jordan resulted in the first combat deaths of U.S. troops attributed to Iran-backed militias since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.
The U.S. has reinforced defenses at Tower 22, the base attacked in Jordan, and initiated self-defense strikes in Yemen against Houthi military targets deemed an imminent threat. The situation continues to evolve as regional tensions remain high.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
