3-2-2024 (WASHINGTON) The United States launched retaliatory strikes on February 2nd in Iraq and Syria targeting facilities associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and the militias they support. The action came in response to a deadly attack in Jordan that claimed the lives of three US troops and left around 40 others injured.
These strikes are believed to be the initial phase of a broader response by President Joe Biden’s administration following the weekend assault carried out by militants backed by Iran. While the strikes did not extend to targets within Iran, they have heightened concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict with Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza, now in its third month.
According to the US military, the strikes aimed at command and control centers, as well as facilities storing rockets, missiles, and drones, along with logistics and munition supply chain sites. Over 85 targets were hit with more than 125 munitions, with a focus on the Quds Force, the foreign espionage and paramilitary arm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which holds significant sway over allied militias across the region.
Syrian state media reported American strikes in desert areas near the Syrian-Iraqi border, resulting in casualties and injuries. The strikes followed President Biden and Pentagon leaders paying respects to the fallen soldiers from the Jordan attack at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.
The Jordan attack marked the first lethal strike against US forces since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, signifying a notable escalation in tensions. US officials have attributed the drone responsible for killing three soldiers and injuring dozens to Iran, underscoring the rising pressure on President Biden to respond decisively to Iran.
Despite these developments, the Pentagon emphasized its aversion to conflict with Iran, mirroring Iran’s stance of avoiding war while vowing strong retaliation against aggression. Iranian advisers are known to support armed groups in Iraq and Syria, where US troops are stationed. Recent Israeli strikes have prompted the IRGC to reduce the deployment of senior officers in Syria.
Since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, US troops in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan have faced over 160 attacks, according to Israeli records. In Yemen, Houthi fighters have targeted ships in the Red Sea, purportedly in support of Palestinians against Israel.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 26,000 Palestinians killed and 65,000 injured since October.
The United States has previously responded to attacks by Iran-backed groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, including strikes against IRGC facilities.
