U.S. forces have launched over 80 strikes against Iran-backed targets in Iraq and Syria, according to U.S. Central Command.
The strikes reportedly killed 40 fighters. Retaliatory strikes were ordered after three service members were killed and dozens of others were injured in a drone attack in Jordan on January 28.
Attacks on U.S. installations have increased since the terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2024.
President Joe Biden posted the following message on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, saying he will respond against those who wish to harm the United States harm:
“Today, at my direction, U.S. military forces struck targets in Iraq and Syria that the IRGC and affiliated militia use to attack U.S. forces.
We do not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world.
But to all those who seek to do us harm: We will respond.”
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Democrat lawmakers praised the Biden administration for the retaliatory attacks.
U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D – Rhode Island) said the response was proportional, and thanked U.S. troops for their efforts. He said, in part,
“This was a strong, proportional response. In fact, the 85 targets struck tonight mark a greater number than the prior administration. Iran’s proxy forces in Syria and Iraq have been dealt a major blow, and Iranian-linked militias around the Middle East should understand that they, too, will be held accountable.”
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However, not everyone was happy with the response, and the Iraqi government claims the U.S. government lied about the coordinated efforts.
A spokesman for Iraq’s government posted a statement saying that they won’t let their land be used for “settling scores,” and that the U.S. government did not have permission to strike targets in Iraq, which they claim also killed civilians.
Some Republican lawmakers also criticized the Biden response, with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R – Louisiana) stating that Biden was telegraphing the attacks.
Johnson said in part of his statement,
“The tragic deaths of three U.S. troops in Jordan, perpetrated by Iran-backed militias, demanded a clear and forceful response. Unfortunately, the administration waited for a week and telegraphed to the world, including to Iran, the nature of our response. The public handwringing and excessive signaling undercuts our ability to put a decisive end to the barrage of attacks endured over the past few months.”
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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R – South Carolina) said that Biden needed to hit Iran now, and “hit them hard.” Graham said that the Biden administration failed to deter Iran from striking U.S. forces again.
Strikes are now into their second day, with strikes taking place in Yemen.
Note: Thumbnail images are screenshots taken from online video of retaliatory strikes.
