'Our response began today': Biden made statement about military operation in Middle East
Photo: Joe Biden, U.S. President (Getty Images)
The President of the United States, Joe Biden, has announced the commencement of a military operation in the Middle East in response to a recent attack on a base in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three American servicemen, according to the White House.
The American leader noted that last Sunday, these American soldiers were killed in Jordan "by a drone launched by militant groups with the support of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard 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," he said.
Biden stated that at his direction, the U.S. armed forces conducted strikes on targets in Iraq and Syria used by the IRGC and affiliated militants "to attack American forces."
"Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing," said the statement from the U.S. president.
However, Biden added that the United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East "or elsewhere in the world."
"But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond," he emphasized.
U.S. airstrikes in response to the attack on the base in Jordan
It was previously reported that on January 28, drones attacked the American military base Tower 22 in Jordan. According to the Pentagon, more than 40 American soldiers were injured, and three military personnel lost their lives as a result of this attack.
The US Department of Defense noted that the preliminary information suggests the involvement of the Kata'ib Hezbollah group, supported by Iran, in the attack.
The Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, threatened a response for the attack "in a convenient place, at a convenient time." President Joe Biden stated that Iran is responsible for this attack and indicated that he has already decided on the measures in response.
On the evening of February 2, it became known that Iranian objects in Syria were targeted by airstrikes from American forces. The US Central Command of the Air Force announced airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militias, hitting over 85 targets.
The US military added that the targeted objects included command and control operational centers, reconnaissance centers, missile and drone storage facilities, as well as logistics and supply chain facilities for militias and the IRGC, which "contributed to attacks on US and coalition forces."
