In response to a drone strike that claimed the lives of three U.S. troops in Jordan, the United States military initiated a substantial air assault targeting over 85 sites in Iraq and Syria linked to Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The strikes focused on command centers, intelligence facilities, ammunition storage, and other locations associated with the militias and the IRGC’s Quds Force. President Joe Biden emphasized that this is just the beginning, indicating a sustained response over time.
Photo from Google
US Airstrikes Navigate Delicate Balance: Escalation Concerns Post Drone Strike Jordan, Militias React Amid Ongoing Conflict
The U.S. airstrikes strategically avoided directly targeting Iran or senior leaders of the Revolutionary Guard Quds Force within Iran’s borders, aiming to prevent an escalation of the conflict. Despite Iran denying involvement in the Drone Strike Jordan, the U.S. military pressed forward with its response. The impact of the strikes remains uncertain, with warnings potentially causing militia members to scatter and hide.
While one Iran-backed militia, Kataib Hezbollah, announced a suspension of attacks on American troops, other groups pledged to continue the fight, positioning themselves as supporters of the Palestinian cause amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
President Biden emphasized that the response would be ongoing and not limited to a single strike. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that the targets were carefully chosen to avoid civilian casualties, relying on clear evidence linking them to attacks on U.S. personnel.
READ ALSO: Escalating US-Iran Tensions: Denials, Diplomacy, And Global Concerns Amidst Growing Threats Of Retaliation
US Launches 30-Minute Air Assault Following Drone Strike Jordan: Weather-Driven Precision Amid Militia Threats
The U.S. strikes, involving more than 125 precision munitions delivered by various aircraft, took about 30 minutes. Weather considerations played a role in planning to ensure the right targets were hit and civilian casualties were minimized. While there are reports of casualties, it remains unclear if militia members were among them.
The decision to strike came shortly after the return of the remains of the three Army Reserve soldiers killed in the Drone Strike Jordan. Despite some militias announcing a suspension of operations, the U.S. remains vigilant, given the intensified assaults on its bases in the region in recent times. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin termed the situation in the Middle East as dangerous, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to defending its interests.
READ ALSO: Deadly Drone Attack In Jordan: U.S. Blames Iran-Backed Militias – Unraveling The Aftermath And Potential Reprisals
