US vows 'this is the start of our response' after Iraq and Syria revenge strikes

02 February 2024 , 22:30

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Joe Biden today, at a dignified transfer of the three soldiers killed in a drone attack in Jordan at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden has released his first statement after the US tonight launched revenge attacks on Iranian targets, striking targets in Syria and Iraq after three Americans were killed by an Iran-backed militia group in Jordan.

"If you harm an American, we will respond," said a statement from Joe Biden's White House. The statement warns America's overseas enemies that the country's military will always respond when prompted.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has tonight claimed 13 people have so far been confirmed killed in the strikes, but other reports dispute this - it will take some time to get a final count as the attacks were launched just an hour ago.

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Pictured from left: Spc Kennedy Sanders, Spc Breonna Moffett, Sgt William Rivers, were killed in the Jordan drone strikes

"At least 18 pro-Iran fighters have been killed" in air strikes on Syria's east, five of them in Deir Ezzor, said CGTN, after the US military said it had carried out strikes on Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Tehran-affiliated groups in Iraq and Syria.

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The airstrikes used more than 125 precision munitions, and were launched at 4 p.m. ET Friday. The US struck more than 85 targets, all Iran-backed, in Iran and Syria, U.S. Central Command said in a statement.

"The facilities that were struck included command and control operations, centers, intelligence centers, rockets, and missiles, and unmanned aired vehicle storages, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities of militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces," CENTCOM said, referring to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

"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," the White House website writes.

A US Army carry team moves the flagged draped transfer case containing the remains of Army Sgt. William Rivers during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base today, in Delaware

"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."

Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement: "This is the start of our response. The President has directed additional actions to hold the IRGC and affiliated militias accountable for their attacks on U.S. and Coalition Forces. These will unfold at times and places of our choosing.

"We do not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else, but the President and I will not tolerate attacks on American forces. We will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our forces, and our interests."

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Yelena Mandenberg