On Saturday afternoon, Joe Biden authorized strikes on Iran-backed militia groups stationed near the Iraq–Syria border; this signaled Biden’s second military campaign in the area since taking office.
The preventive precise attacks were taken out on sites; these sites were believed for use by Iran-backed militias involved in the drone attacks against US troops and infrastructure in Iraq, according to the military.
The military refused to say if anybody was killed or wounded.
The US strikes hit organizational and ammunition warehouses in two locations in Syria and one position in Iraq, which are both close to the nation’s borders, according to the remark; it also noted that the facilities are used by several terror organizations, including Kata’ib Hezbollah and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada.
#UPDATE: Pentagon released 3 videos of strikes last night on targets associated with Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyed al-Shuhada.
First video: US airstrikes on a building in As-Sikak, Al Bukamal, Syria pic.twitter.com/X9DJa7awAM
— Global.TV (@GlobalTelevsion) June 28, 2021
The steps, according to the department, demonstrate that the US president is prepared to act to safeguard the US people in Iraq at the request of the Iraqi Army. In order to destroy ISIS, US and coalition soldiers have been battling alongside Iraqi Security Forces.
The US took needed, prudent, and intentional measures to reduce the risk of escalating while at the same time sending a clear and decisive message. The American government exercised its right to self-defense under international law.
The attacks were both essential and adequately circumscribed in scope in order to handle the threat. According to the statement, the president took this action in accordance with his Article II power to safeguard US personnel in Iraq.
#IRAQ latest:
– US airstrikes hit facilities used by Iran-backed militias near Iraq-Syria border.– Were "defensive" says @PentagonPresSec. Targets: Kataib Hezbollah + Sayyid Shuhada.
– Iraqi officials to @AP: 4 killed. 2nd time Biden ordered strikes.https://t.co/HKTxlNwvUx
— Samya Kullab | سامية كُلاّب (@samya_kullab) June 28, 2021
The attacks take place at a difficult period for the US and the Iranian government, which was attempting to expand its operations in Iraqi politics and the Mideast in general.
Under the Trump administration, the US assassinated Iran’s highest general, Qassem Soleimani, after Soleimani approved attacks on the US Embassy, and several missile strikes on US and allied troops in the vicinity, employing Iran-backed militias.
According to the State Department, Soleimani and his Quds Force have been responsible for the killing of scores of American and allied military personnel, as well as the injuring of thousands more.
Support For America In Iraq is Split
For years, Iraq’s government has been split between supporters of the US presence in the region and supporters of Iran’s Islamist dictatorship, which has been strengthening its power in Iraq (through paramilitary organizations it claims are also fighting ISIS). The militia has long been criticized for firing rockets at US troops and assassinating peaceful pro-democracy demonstrators.
The Washington Post: "U.S. targets Iran-backed militias in Iraq, Syria strikes" https://t.co/zOMiiHIvty
— Evan Kohlmann (@IntelTweet) June 28, 2021
When authorities discovered inconclusive information against Iran-aligned militia commander Qasim Muslih, who was detained in May on terrorism-related accusations, Iraq freed him in June.
Sources said that the US military used F-15 and F-16 planes to carry out the airstrikes and that the pilots returned safely from the operation. In February, following missile strikes on US personnel and facilities in Iraq, Biden authorized retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed militias.
