In response to the killing of its soldiers in Jordan, the United States initiated airstrikes on multiple sites in Iraq and Syria associated with Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
The decision to strike had been warned by President Joe Biden and other key US leaders before, emphasizing that it would not be just one hit but a “tiered response” against the militias.
What did Joe Biden say?
Biden in a statement after the strikes, said, “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."
On Sunday, President Biden claimed that three American soldiers were killed in Jordan by a drone launched by militant groups supported by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
He then participated in the return ceremony of the soldiers at Dover Airforce Base and communicated with each of their families.
Biden reportedly said, "This afternoon, at my direction, US military forces struck targets at facilities in Iraq and Syria that the IRGC and affiliated militia use to attack US forces. Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing."
Details of the airstrikes
According to AP report, the US Central Command has reported that its forces conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against IRGC Quds Force and affiliated militia groups at 4:00 pm EST on Friday.
US military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to include long-range bombers flown from the United States. The airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions.
The facilities that were struck included command and control operations centers, intelligence centers, rockets, and missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicle storages, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities of militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against US and Coalition forces, the CENTCOM reportedly said.
Defence Secretary's response
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said these strikes were at seven facilities that IRGC and affiliated militias use to attack US forces.
Autin reportedly said, “This is the start of our response. The President has directed additional actions to hold the IRGC and affiliated militias accountable for their attacks on US and Coalition Forces."
He further added, “These will unfold at times and places of our choosing. We do not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else, but the President and I will not tolerate attacks on American forces. We will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our forces, and our interests."
