Following the deadly drone strike that claimed the lives of three US soldiers in Jordan, the US military has launched a significant air assault, hitting more than 85 locations across Iraq and Syria. The strikes were directed at Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, seen as retribution for the recent attack.

The assault utilized over 125 precision munitions and various aircraft, including long-range B-1 bombers. Key targets included command and control headquarters, intelligence centers, as well as storage sites for rockets, missiles, drones, and ammunition.

Although the strikes avoided direct targeting of Iran or senior Revolutionary Guard leaders within Iranian borders, President Joe Biden has indicated that this is only the beginning, suggesting that more strikes may be forthcoming. The US's objective is to prevent further escalation of the conflict, though the overall ramifications remain uncertain.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby stated that targets were chosen to minimize civilian casualties. However, reports of casualties emerged from Syria, with Syrian state media mentioning unspecified casualties and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reporting 18 militants killed.

The strikes have drawn condemnation from Iraqi army spokesman Yahya Rasool, who views them as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. He expressed concern that the attacks undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government and pose a threat to the region.
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