The United States has launched military strikes in Iraq and Syria, marking its first retaliatory action in response to a deadly drone strike that killed three American soldiers.
The attacks represent a critical moment in the US strategy to deter the influence of Iranian proxies in the region, amid rising geopolitical tensions and the domestic political landscape, a Pentagon official confirmed to NBC News.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the airstrikes targeted the IRGC Quds Force and allied militias in Iraq and Syria, hitting more than 85 sites with precision munitions from a range of aircraft, including long-range bombers. The operation aimed to cripple the groups’ operational capabilities and safeguard US and coalition forces.
In a statement released on Friday, Pres Joe Biden he said, “The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But everyone who might seek to harm us know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.”
Following the assault on a remote US base in Jordan, which injured more than 40 people, the Biden administration has signaled its intention to take military action. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had previously outlined a “tiered response,” with plans for a campaign expected to span several days, if not weeks, according to officials.
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While the Biden administration has been adamant about its determination to retaliate, it has also stressed that these actions do not signal an intent for war with Iran or an expansion of regional conflicts. The meticulously calibrated attacks appear to steer clear of Iranian territory, instead targeting a number of locations beyond Iran’s borders, NBC News reported.
“We will continue to work to avoid broader conflict in the region, but we will take all actions necessary to defend the United States, our interests and our people,” Austin said at a Pentagon news conference on Thursday.
In the wake of these developments, Iran has consistently repudiated any involvement in the drone attack and reiterated its aversion to direct conflict with the United States.
In a televised address on Friday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said: “We will not start any war, but if anyone wants to mistreat us, they will receive a strong response.”
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This content was partially produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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