US airstrikes today: US hits hard at militias in Iraq and Syria, retaliating for fatal drone attack

US hits hard at militias in Iraq and Syria, retaliating for fatal drone attack.

U.S. strikes more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria, some of them multiple times, U.S. says

Numerous aircraft, including long-range bombers, took part in U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed forces in Iraq and Syria, officials say.

Here are the compilation of videos of how theattack happened.

Watch additional videos here and here

However it was reported that There are no bases for the Revolutionary Guard or the Quds Force in the areas that were subjected to American bombing in Syria.

Iranian sources told Al Jazeera.

It also added that Iran's Revolutionary Guards: There are no Iranian citizens among those killed in attacks in Syria and Iraq.

Iraqi media: ISIS is taking advantage of the American "strikes" and is launching an attack on the Popular Mobilization Forces in western Anbar.

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE STATEMENT ON US STRIKES ON SYRIA

"The tragic deaths of three U.S. troops in Jordan, perpetrated by Iran-backed militias, demanded a clear and forceful response. Unfortunately, the administration waited for a week and telegraphed to the world, including to Iran, the nature of our response. The public handwringing and excessive signaling undercuts our ability to put a decisive end to the barrage of attacks endured over the past few months.

We have suffered more than 150 attacks on U.S. forces, lost American lives, and spent billions of dollars in the region since October. It is long overdue for the Biden administration to admit that its strategy of appeasing Iran has been disastrous for the international community and regional stability. We must stand firmly against those who would harm Americans, propagate terror, or threaten our allies. Now is the time for President Biden to wake up to the reality that his policy of placating Iran has failed.

To promote peace, America must project strength."

Biden says U.S. struck facilities in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed forces to attack Americans.

"Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing," he says.

Iraqi Armed Forces Statement on U.S. Strikes

"The cities of Al-Qaim and the Iraqi border areas are subjected to airstrikes by United States aircraft. These strikes come at a time when Iraq is striving to ensure the stability of the region. 

These strikes constitute a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government, posing a threat that will pull Iraq and the region to undesirable consequences, with severe implications for security and stability in Iraq and the region.

Special Forces Major General

Yahya Rasool Abdullah

Spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces"

John Kirby Comments on Strikes:

John Kirby believes the strikes against three facilities in Iraq and four in Syria were successful. The whole response lasted about 30 minutes and U.S. military aircraft is now out of harm's way.

AT LEAST 18 MEMBERS OF IRANIAN-BACKED MILITIA KILLED IN U.S. AIRSTRIKES IN SYRIA

 US Secretary of Defense Comment on Strikes

This is the beginning of our response to the attacks on our forces.

The President directed additional steps to be taken to hold the Iranian Revolutionary Guard accountable for attacks against US and coalition forces.

Under the direction of the President, we carried out strikes on 7 facilities and 85 targets in Iraq and Syria that the Revolutionary Guard uses to attack American forces. 

Statement from President Joe Biden on U.S. Military Operation in the Middle East

"This past Sunday, three American soldiers were killed in Jordan by a drone launched by militant groups backed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).  Earlier today, I attended the dignified return of these brave Americans at Dover Airforce Base, and I have spoken with each of their families.

 

This afternoon, at my direction, U.S. military forces struck targets at facilities in Iraq and Syria that the IRGC and affiliated militia use to attack U.S. forces.

 

Our response began today.  It will continue at times and places of our choosing.

 

The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world.  But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond."

Source: White House

U.S. won't carry out airstrikes in Iran in response to deadly drone attack, U.S. official says according to CNN.