The United States has commenced airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as a countermeasure to a drone strike carried out by Iranian-backed militias on a US military outpost in Jordan.
This retaliatory action was prompted by an earlier attack that resulted in the deaths of three US service members and left more than 40 others wounded. The Biden administration's objective is to deter further assaults while carefully avoiding an all-out conflict with Iran, especially given the heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Officials indicate that these retaliatory strikes are likely to be more substantial than previous attacks on Iranian-backed militias, which primarily focused on weapons storage or training facilities. President Joe Biden, who recently attended a solemn transfer ceremony and met with the families of the deceased soldiers, faces mounting pressure to respond in a manner that puts an end to militia attacks on US troops.
The US administration, led by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, has signaled a "multi-tiered" response, suggesting the possibility of additional actions in the coming days. Austin emphasized the US's capability to respond multiple times, asserting superiority over the Iranian-backed militias responsible for the attacks. However, the administration is cautious not to escalate the situation into a full-scale war.
The White House attributes the drone attack in Jordan to an umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which includes various factions, including Kata'ib Hezbollah. While not directly implicating Kata'ib Hezbollah, the most powerful Iran-backed militia in Iraq, officials note that it is part of the broader group responsible for previous attacks on US bases.
The US military has previously targeted Iranian proxies' weapons depots in Iraq and Syria, but these actions failed to deter the militants. Iran has been investing in regional proxy groups, collectively known as the "axis of resistance," supplying them with financial resources, weapons, and training to extend its influence in the Middle East. The recent escalation, resulting in the deaths of US service members, prompted the Biden administration to respond forcefully.
Despite the tension, Iran has repeatedly stated its lack of intent to initiate conflict. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi emphasized that while his country does not seek war, it will respond strongly to any form of bullying. Meanwhile, the militias have conveyed mixed messages, with Kata'ib Hezbollah announcing the suspension of its military operations against US forces, while other groups, like Al-Nujaba, have affirmed their intent to continue targeting US interests.
Comments