According to CBS News, the United States is planning a series of strikes on “Iranian personnel and facilities” in Iraq and Syria as a response to the attack on American troops in Jordan. The exact timing of the strikes has not been disclosed, but it is likely that US forces will wait for favorable weather conditions to ensure accuracy.
CBS sources suggest that the strikes will occur over several days, while NBC News reports that the campaign could potentially last for “weeks.”
This development signifies a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between American forces and Iran-aligned militia groups in the region.
The decision to carry out these strikes follows an incident where one of these groups launched a drone attack on a US outpost in Jordan, resulting in the death of three American troops and numerous injuries. While US President Joe Biden has confirmed that he has formulated a response to the attack, he has not provided further details at this time.
After Biden’s announcement, Kataib Hezbollah, the most influential Iraqi militia group, declared that it would cease its “military and security operations against the occupation forces [US troops]” to avoid causing embarrassment to the Iraqi government. The Biden administration believed that the Jordan attack was orchestrated by the Islamic Resistance, a coalition of militias that includes Kataib Hezbollah, although none of these militias have claimed responsibility for it.
Prior to Biden’s statement, the Islamic Resistance had already targeted US bases in the Middle East over 150 times since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October. This campaign aimed to undermine Israel’s primary supporter.
Biden also stated to reporters that he holds Iran accountable for the deaths of three US troops, as they supply weapons to the perpetrators. While Iran does arm and train various Islamic Resistance groups in Iraq and Syria, the Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized that these fighters do not take orders from Iran.
Iran’s envoy to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, issued a warning to the US, stating that the Islamic Republic would respond decisively to any attack on its country, interests, or nationals, regardless of the pretext.
US forces in the Middle East are currently facing potential conflicts on multiple fronts. American ships and warplanes have been engaging in missile strikes with Yemeni Houthi militants for nearly two weeks, aiming to break the Houthi blockade on shipping linked to Israel in the Red Sea. Additionally, a Pentagon memo reported by The Intercept on Tuesday revealed that US Air Force personnel in Iraq have been instructed to remain on standby in case there is a need for on-ground US involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
