The United States launched retaliatory strikes Friday on targets in Iraq and Syria in response to the deaths of three American service members at the hands of Iran-backed militant groups.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces attacked more than 85 targets with aircraft, including long-range bombers, targeting Iran's paramilitary force and associated groups, according to a military statement.
“At 4:00 p.m. (EST) Feb. 02, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups,” CENTCOM said. U.S. military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to include long-range bombers flown from United States.
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U.S. assets used more than 125 precision munitions and targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) “command and control operations, centers, intelligence centers, rockets,” drone and vehicle storage sites and supply chain facilities belonging to the groups, CENTCOM said. The groups “facilitated attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces.”
https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1753535280923967851
President Joe Biden ordered the strikes in response to the attack on Jordan's Tower 22, which killed three US Army Reserve soldiers and injured more than 40 others.
Hours before the strikes began, Biden attended the dignified transfer of three service members killed in Jordan and met with their families.
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The administration has stated that it holds Iran responsible for the attacks on US troops despite Iran's denial of any involvement.
However, Tehran funds the groups and supplies them with weapons and training. Officials insist that the United States does not want a war with Iran, but will take the necessary precautions to protect its forces.
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