US Strikes Destroy Most Iranian, Militia Targets in Syria and Iraq

The Pentagon said that American jets hit several Iranian and militia sites with considerable damage on Friday during a series of precise attacks in Syria and Iraq. According to President Biden and his administration, this is the first part in a long-term effort.

The Pentagon's press secretary, Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, said that over 80 of the roughly 85 targets in Syria and Iraq had been destroyed or made unusable. Command centers, information hubs, armament depots with missiles, rockets, and drones, as well as locations for logistics and ammo storage, were among the objectives, as per New York Times.

Over 80 Targets Decimated in Syria, Iraq

RAF Make Further Air Strikes Against Military Targets In Yemen — (Photo : MoD Crown Copyright via Getty Images)
AKROTIRI, CYPRUS - JANUARY 22: In this handout image provided by the UK Ministry of Defence, a Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4 takes off to carry out air strikes against Houthi military targets in Yemen at RAF Akrotiri on January 22, 2024 in Akrotiri, Cyprus. On 22 January, the UK conducted further strikes against Houthi targets, following the initial operation on January 11 to protect global shipping in the region. Four Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, supported by a pair of Voyager tankers, joined U.S. forces in a deliberate strike against Houthi sites in Yemen.

Addressing concerns about potential casualties resulting from the airstrikes, Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder stated, "I think it is fair to conclude that there likely were casualties associated with these strikes." However, he emphasized the need for Central Command to conduct a thorough assessment to provide accurate information.

Ryder reiterated that the United States' primary focus was on targeting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran and its affiliated militias, which have been implicated in attacks against US forces. The airstrikes aimed to dismantle facilities utilized by these groups for orchestrating and executing such attacks.

The US military launched the airstrikes in response to a drone attack on January 28 in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of three American soldiers. In addition to the fatalities, 41 National Guard soldiers sustained injuries in the assault on the US base known as Tower 22 in Jordan. Twenty-seven of the injured soldiers have since returned to duty, while the remaining 14 are undergoing evaluation and treatment, including one who required medical evacuation, according to AA News.

US Retaliatory Strikes Hit Iraq, Syria Targets

The retaliatory strikes targeted three sites in Iraq and four in Syria, according to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. President Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed the continuation of such actions, with Biden asserting, "Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing."

US and British troops also launched attacks on 36 militia targets in Yemen in an attempt to oppose the Houthi rebels, who are supported by Iran, with the goal of safeguarding the Red Sea's commerce arteries.

Despite the retaliatory measures, Pentagon officials reported two separate attacks on US troops in Syria following Friday's strikes, with no reported injuries or damages to US forces. However, six members of the Syrian Democratic Forces were reportedly killed in a drone attack near Mission Support Site Green Village, a compound housing US and allied forces in northeastern Syria.

Looking ahead, Ryder affirmed that the US responses to the Jordan attack are ongoing, stating, "Our responses are not complete." However, he refrained from disclosing specific details, emphasizing that further actions would be undertaken at a time deemed appropriate by US authorities, Star and Stripes reported.