Amman, Jordan – Following the deaths of three US soldiers at a base in Jordan, the US has announced plans to launch reprisal strikes against an Iranian-backed militia, stated US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The strikes are expected to target militia in Syria and possibly Iraq.
According to Austin, the drones attacking the US in the region are of Iranian origin, and the retaliatory strikes will involve a multi-tier response over multiple days. Emphasizing that the US aims to hold those responsible accountable and take away their capability to prevent escalation, Austin assured that careful consideration has been given to avoid triggering a major escalation.
The fatal drone strike on a US base, which also left over 30 soldiers injured, was the first instance of US military deaths by hostile fire since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on 7 October. Iran has warned the US against striking its territory, threatening a swift and dramatic response if the US escalates in this manner.
Austin made it clear that while the US is not at war with Iran, it holds the country accountable for sponsoring, funding, and training the groups responsible for the attacks. Despite claims of militia suspending attacks on US bases in Iraq, Austin stressed the importance of observing their actions and not just their words.
Amidst criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of the situation and accusations of weakness from Republicans, the White House aims to deter further attacks without triggering a major escalation. US officials believe that brokering a ceasefire in Gaza would alleviate pressure on US forces in the region. Additionally, the US and UK justified their joint strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation and the prevention of irresponsible and illegal actions by the Houthis.
As tensions continue to rise, the US remains focused on protecting its troops, holding those responsible accountable, and avoiding further escalation, all while navigating the complex dynamics in the region.