US President Joe Biden Issues Warning as US Launches Retaliatory Strikes in Iraq and Syria
US President Joe Biden has issued a strong warning to militants, stating that if they harm an American, they will hit back. This statement comes in response to a series of recent incidents, including the Tower 22 drone attack that resulted in the death of US soldiers, as well as attacks in the Red Sea by Houthi militants and various Middle East militia attacks. The situation was further exacerbated by Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza.
President Biden emphasized that the US response has already begun and will continue at strategic times and locations of their choosing. He stated, Let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond. US leaders have made it clear that this response will not be a singular strike but rather a tiered and sustained approach over time.
The US military has already launched an air assault on numerous sites in Iraq and Syria that are known to be used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. These strikes targeted more than 85 locations at seven different sites, including command and control headquarters, intelligence centers, rocket and missile storage facilities, as well as drone and ammunition storage sites. President Biden has made it explicit that there will be further actions in the future.
Earlier on Friday, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi reaffirmed Tehran’s intention to potentially retaliate for any US strikes that target its interests. Raisi stated, We will not start a war, but if a country, if a cruel force wants to bully us, the Islamic Republic of Iran will give a strong response.
According to reports, since October 18, 2022, Iran-backed militia groups have launched a total of 166 attacks on US military installations. These include 67 attacks in Iraq, 98 attacks in Syria, and the most recent attack in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of three US troops. However, at the al-Asad airbase in Iraq, which was targeted on January 29, there were no injuries or damage reported.
The escalating tensions in the region and the US’s retaliatory strikes have raised concerns about further escalation and potential wider conflict. The world closely watches the situation as the United States aims to protect its personnel and assets while sending a clear message to those who threaten American lives.
Please note: The details in this news article are based on available reports and statements. Further developments may change the situation.
