U.S. Military Launches Airstrikes on Multiple Targets in Iraq and Syria in Response to Jordan Attack

Washington D.C., The Gulf Observer: The U.S. military executed targeted airstrikes on Friday in Iraq and Syria, striking more than 85 sites in retaliation for the recent attack in Jordan that resulted in the tragic loss of three U.S. troops. The strikes, which included the deployment of long-range B-1 bombers from the United States, mark the initial phase of a multi-tiered response by President Joe Biden’s administration, with additional U.S. military operations anticipated in the coming days.

The targeted sites encompassed command and control centers, rocket and missile storage facilities, drone storage facilities, as well as logistics and munition supply chain facilities, as detailed in a statement released by the U.S. military.

U.S. forces executed precision strikes on over 85 targets, distributed across seven locations, with four in Syria and three in Iraq, according to the military’s report. Lieutenant General Douglas Sims, the director of the Joint Staff, affirmed that the strikes seemed successful, generating significant secondary explosions as the bombs impacted militant weaponry. However, it remains unclear if any militants were casualties of the operation.

The Syrian Defense Ministry denounced the U.S. airstrikes, describing them as “blatant air aggression” that resulted in civilian and military casualties, wounded individuals, and substantial damage to public and private property. The ministry asserted the Syrian army’s commitment to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and reclaiming the entirety of Syrian territories from both terrorism and occupation.

U.S. Lieutenant General Douglas Sims acknowledged that the strikes were conducted with the awareness that there might be casualties within the targeted facilities. He emphasized the significance of weather conditions in determining the timing of the operation.

In response to the airstrikes, the Iraqi military expressed concerns about the violation of Iraqi sovereignty, warning that these actions could instigate instability in the region. Iraqi military spokesman Yahya Rasool conveyed that the airstrikes undermined the efforts of the Iraqi government and posed a threat that could lead to severe consequences in Iraq and the broader region.

The U.S. military’s retaliatory actions underscore the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its personnel and interests, responding decisively to attacks against its forces and allies. The evolving situation necessitates continued attention as the Biden administration pursues a comprehensive approach to address emerging threats in the region.