US begins retaliation for 3 US soldiers killed, attacks in Iraq and Syria

This is the first response in a campaign of retaliation announced by the Biden administration after the attack on the US base in Jordan. It also marks an escalation of tensions in the Middle East after the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza.

The US began a campaign of 3 armored personnel carriers attacking more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria, picture 1. — The US military used B-1 long-range bombers to attack rebel groups in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the deaths of three US soldiers. Illustration: GI

The US military said in a statement that the strikes targeted targets including command and control centers, missile and drone storage facilities, as well as logistics and ammunition supply chain facilities.

The US military said its operation struck more than 85 targets spread across seven locations, four in Syria and three in Iraq, including using long-range B-1 bombers deployed from bases in the US.

Lieutenant General Douglas Sims, director of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said it appeared the strikes were successful, causing large secondary explosions when the bombs hit rebel weapons, although it was unclear whether any rebels were killed.

Syrian state media said on Friday that attacks on sites in the country's desert region and on the Syria-Iraq border resulted in several casualties.

The drone attack on a US base in Jordan was the first deadly attack on US troops since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October. US officials have said the drone that killed three soldiers and wounded more than 40 others was made by Iran.

The US began a campaign of 3 armored personnel carriers attacking more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria, picture 2. — Senior US leaders go to the airport to welcome the bodies of three US soldiers who will be repatriated on February 2, 2024. Photo: Reuters

“Our response begins today. It will continue at a time and place of our choosing,” Biden said in a statement. Earlier on Friday, Biden administration and Pentagon leaders were at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware as the bodies of three service members were repatriated.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Mr Biden had ordered the retaliatory strikes. “This is the beginning of our response,” he said.

The Pentagon said it does not seek war with Iran. “We do not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else, but the President and I will not tolerate attacks on American forces,” Mr. Austin said.

Ahead of Friday's US retaliatory strike, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Iran also did not want to cause further conflict in the Middle East, but would "respond strongly" to anyone trying to bully the country.

Hoang Anh (according to Reuters, AP)

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