The US is launching retaliatory strikes on Syria and Iraq. More than 85 targets hit

This Friday, the US launched retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria in response to a drone attack in Jordan that killed three US soldiers and wounded 40 others. US forces have hit more than 85 targets at sites linked to the Revolutionary Guards and Iranian-backed groups, and have already recorded at least 18 deaths, according to Reuters.

On the Syrian side, airstrikes killed 13 militants and destroyed 17 positions of Tehran-backed armed groups in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zour, according to a statement by the UK-based non-governmental organization (NGO) Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. and with an extensive network of collaborators in the field.

“Our response began today. It will continue at the time and place we choose. The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or any other part of the world. But let all those who may wish us harm know if they cause harm to any country. Americans, we will respond,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement.

The US Army Central Command (Centcom) clarified that the air operation took place at 16:00 (21:00 in Lisbon) and more than 125 precision-guided munitions were used. Among the locations attacked were command and intelligence centers, as well as drone and missile storage infrastructures belonging to militias and Iranian forces, “which have enabled attacks on US and coalition forces.”

The United States has strengthened defenses at a military base in Jordan attacked by Iran-backed militants, preparing for retaliatory attacks.

At a time when US military retaliation appears inevitable, several Iraqi resistance groups have called for continued attacks on US forces stationed in the Middle East.

In a released statement, Harakat al-Nujaba, one of Iraq’s most powerful militias, announced plans to continue military operations against US troops even as other factions call for a cessation of hostilities following last Sunday’s drone attack in Jordan.