The content you provided is related to recent US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria targeting Iran-linked militias and the Revolutionary Guard. Here is a news article based on the information:
US Airstrikes Hit Over 85 Targets in Iraq and Syria; No Plans to Strike Inside Iran, Say Officials
Date: [03/02/2024]
In a significant military operation, the US has conducted airstrikes on more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria (US Airstrikes)
In a significant military operation, the US has conducted airstrikes on more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria, targeting Iran’s Quds Force and affiliated militias. The strikes, which occurred around midnight local time, were part of a broader effort against groups linked to Iran and the Revolutionary Guard.
The US Central Command revealed that the airstrikes involved more than 125 bombs, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Of the targeted sites, three were in Iraq, and four were in Syria, according to Lt Gen Douglas Sims, director of the joint staff.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 18 Iran-backed fighters killed in eastern Syria, with 26 important sites housing pro-Iran groups destroyed over a large area. The strikes were in retaliation for a drone attack that killed three US troops in Jordan, attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.
Despite the military response, US officials clarified that there are no plans to bomb Iran, emphasizing a desire to avoid significant escalation. The Biden administration has repeatedly stated it does not intend to go to war with Iran, even as it accuses Iran-linked militias of carrying out attacks against US forces.
President Joe Biden issued a warning, stating, “If you harm an American, we will respond,” emphasizing a commitment to responding to threats. The White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby, mentioned that the initial responses had begun and would continue beyond the first night.
The Iraqi military expressed concern over the airstrikes, stating that they violate Iraqi sovereignty and could lead to dire consequences, potentially igniting instability in the region. However, US officials assured that the strikes aimed to put an end to attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militias.
As tensions persist, the situation remains dynamic, with the US signaling additional responses in the coming days.
