The U.S. military initiated airstrikes on Friday, targeting over 85 sites associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and its supported militias in Iraq and Syria. This action, in response to the recent attack in Jordan that claimed three U.S. troops’ lives, signals the beginning of a multi-tiered response by President Joe Biden’s administration. Utilizing long-range B-1 bombers flown from the U.S., these strikes mark a heightened escalation in the Middle East conflict.
The strikes did not extend into Iran but targeted command centers, rockets, missiles, drone storage facilities, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities in Iraq and Syria. The Quds Force, the foreign espionage and paramilitary arm of the IRGC, was a primary focus. U.S. Lieutenant General Douglas Sims stated that the attacks seemed successful, with large secondary explosions observed.
Syria reported casualties from the “American aggression,” emphasizing potential instability in the region. The Iraqi military expressed concern about sovereignty violation, while U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed these strikes as the start of their response. Despite signaling a firm stance, the Pentagon expressed a reluctance for war with Iran, emphasizing the need to deter attacks on American forces.
