The US military struck a site in Syria used by two Iranian-backed militia groups. This was in response to rocket attacks on American forces in the region in the past two weeks.
“Up to a handful” of militants were killed in the strikes, a US official told CNN.
The strikes, which mark the US military’s first known action under President Joe Biden, swiftly drew criticism from a Democratic lawmaker.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the strikes took place “at President Biden’s command”. Moreover, they were allowed not just to respond to the recent attacks against American and coalition forces. Moreover, it was also to deal with “ongoing perils to that personnel.”
“Specifically, the strikes damaged multiple facilities located at a border control point used by several Iranian-backed militant groups, including Kata’ib Hezbollah and Kata’ib Sayyid al Shuhada,” Kirby said. “The operation sends an unambiguous message-President Biden will act to protect American coalition staff. At the same time, we have played in a prudent manner that aims to de-escalate the overall situation in both Eastern Syria and Iraq.”
The US struck on the site that is believed to be used as part of a militias’ weapons smuggling operation. The strikes were conducted to discredit the groups’ ability to carry out attacks. In addition, it sends a message about the recent attacks, the official said.
“We’re confident in the target we went after,” Austin said on Thursday. “We know what we hit. We allowed and urged the Iraqis to investigate and develop intelligence. Moreover, it was very helpful to us in refining the target.”
President Biden’s approval
Biden approved the strikes after consulting with US allies, including coalition partners. The Russian military was warned about the upcoming airstrike “four or five minutes” before it was delivered.
Moreover, the airstrikes were conducted by two F15s dropping Joint Direct Attack Munitions.
A US strike against Kata’ib Hezbollah in Iraq on December 29, 2019, triggered complaints from the Iraqi government about violations of its sovereignty. Days later, members of the group and other Iran-backed militias marched on the US Embassy in Iraq, damaging property and setting outer buildings on fire.