The U.S. has executed airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, according to U.S. Central Command.
In a statement, President Joe Biden indicated that the move represents retaliation for the recent deaths of three U.S. service members killed in Jordan.
"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," Biden said in the statement.
"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," the president noted in the statement. "Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing."
Three U.S. Army Reserve troops were recently killed in Jordan, according to the Pentagon, which reported that "a one-way unmanned aerial system (OWUAS) impacted their container housing units." Other American troops were injured due to the attack.
"Feb. 02, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups. U.S. military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to include long-range bombers flown from United States. The airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions," a CENTCOM press release noted.
"The facilities that were struck included command and control operations centers, intelligence centers, rockets, missiles, unmanned aerial vehicle storage, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities of militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces," CENTCOM noted.
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President Biden warned Iran that the U.S. will "act forcefully" to protect Americans after a drone strike in Syria killed a U.S. contractor and injured five U.S. service members Thursday.
"My heart and deepest condolences go out to the family of the American we lost, and we wish a speedy recovery for those who are wounded," the President said at a joint press conference in Canada alongside Prime Minister Trudeau.
Biden prefaced his remarks by explaining that he had ordered airstrikes targeting "those responsible" for attacking American personnel.
"And to make no mistake: The United States does not — does not, I emphasize — seek conflict with Iran, but be prepared for us to act forcefully to protect our people," Biden said in his remarks. Biden said the United States would continue efforts to counter terrorist threats in the region along with coalition members like Canada to defeat ISIS.
Simultaneous attacks were launched at U.S. forces in Syria late Friday, according to Voice of America News. Preliminary information suggested there was a rocket attack on the Conoco plant, where U.S. troops are stationed.
Another U.S. service member was wounded in Friday's fresh trio of attacks, CBS News reported, citing an unnamed U.S. official.
Thursday, a "one-way unmanned aerial vehicle" of "Iranian origin" struck a maintenance facility in northeast Syria, causing several American casualties. One American contractor was reportedly killed in the drone strike. At least five service members and an additional American contractor was injured.
"At the direction of President Biden, I authorized U.S. Central Command forces to conduct precision airstrikes tonight in eastern Syria against facilities used by groups affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)," Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a statement Thursday.
"The airstrikes were conducted in response to today’s attack as well as a series of recent attacks against Coalition forces in Syria by groups affiliated with the IRGC."
Videos on social media show explosions in Syria's Deir el-Zour, "a strategic province that borders Iraq and contains oil fields," Politico reported.
"We are postured for scalable options in the face of any additional Iranian attacks," United States Central Command Commander General Michael "Erik" Kurilla said in a statement Thursday.
"Our troops remain in Syria to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS, which benefits the security and stability of not only Syria, but the entire region.”
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