US Launches Strikes in Iraq and Syria in Response to Deadly Jordanian Drone Attack

U.S. forces conducted a series of strikes against Iran-backed militant groups in Iraq and Syria in response to a deadly drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers. These strikes, executed by U.S. Central Command forces, targeted over 85 locations across seven facilities connected to groups affiliated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force. The targeted facilities included command and control centers, intelligence facilities, and weapons storage facilities used by Iran-backed militias to attack U.S. and coalition forces.

President Joe Biden stated that these strikes are the first in a series of actions by the U.S. in response to the Jordan attack and emphasized that the U.S. does not seek conflict but will respond to harm against Americans. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III echoed this sentiment and revealed that additional actions are planned to hold Iran-backed groups accountable, with their timing and location chosen by the U.S.

The strikes were carried out after the dignified transfer of the three soldiers killed in the Jordan attack and targeted facilities selected to avoid civilian casualties based on evidence connecting them to attacks on U.S. personnel. Multiple aircraft, including B-1 Lancers, were involved in the strikes, which were planned in response to the threat posed by Iran-backed militias in the region.