US Strikes Iran‘s IRGC Sites In Iraq, Syria

The United States conducted a minimum of seven strikes on Friday against Iranian forces and associated military groups in response to the attack in Jordan that resulted in the death of American soldiers. This retaliatory action targeted over 85 sites associated with Iran’s paramilitary forces and groups accused of attacking anti-Iran entities, according to the Pentagon.

In a statement, President Joe Biden confirmed that, under his direction, U.S. military forces struck facilities in Iraq and Syria used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militias to target U.S. forces. General Michael Erik Kurilla, the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), highlighted the direct threat posed by Iran’s IRGC Quds Force and affiliated militia groups to the stability of Iraq, regional security, and the safety of American personnel. He pledged to take necessary action to protect their people and hold those responsible accountable for threatening their safety.

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The precise casualties from the strikes remain unclear, but reports suggest at least 18 militia members were killed in eastern Syria. While Washington stated it has no intention to directly attack Iran, emphasizing a reluctance to initiate a new war with its arch-rival, the U.S. Defense Secretary indicated that the recent airstrikes mark the beginning of a swift response, with additional actions planned against Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and affiliated militias.

The recent escalation follows a series of attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria linked to Iran since October. The airstrikes occurred following President Biden’s attendance at a ceremony for the return of three soldiers killed in the Tower 22 attack, suggesting a well-coordinated military response. Despite the conclusion of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, heightened tensions in the Middle East pose a potential threat of regional conflict involving the U.S. and other forces.