US Strikes Targets Across Iraq & Syria
Strikes Across Iraq and Syria in US Response
US Troops Killed in Jordan Strike: What Comes Next?
Ukraine Destroys Russian Missile Corvette
Looking Back on Russia’s Defensive Lines
The US and Israel Have a Reputation Problem
Ukraine and NATO
The Extensive Tunnel Network Under Gaza
The US-Iraqi Relationship Going Forward
US Strikes IRGC Targets in Iraq and Syria
US forces launched strikes targeting more than 85 targets at seven locations, including command and control headquarters, intelligence centers, rockets and missiles, drone and ammunition storage sites and other facilities that were connected to the militias or the IRGC’s Quds Force, the Guard’s expeditionary unit that handles Tehran’s relationship with and arming of regional militias. The US says there were four locations targeted in Syria and 3 in Iraq all all were struck inside of a 30 minute window with a variety of US aircraft.
“Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing,” Biden warned, adding, “let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.” He and other top U.S. leaders had been saying for days that any American response wouldn’t be just one hit but a “tiered response” over time.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the targets “were carefully selected to avoid civilian casualties and based on clear, irrefutable evidence that they were connected to attacks on U.S. personnel in the region.”
As of this report, no public statements have been made by militia groups across Iraq and Syria.
https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/1753535280923967851?s=20
https://apnews.com/article/attack-military-iran-iraq-houthis-229a735edbb7759ba9ade543013917df
US Troops Killed in Jordan Strike: What Comes Next?
The January 28 attack by an Iranian-backed militia on U.S. forces in Jordan, resulting in the deaths of three American service members and injuries to many more, represents a major escalation amid the ongoing Gaza crisis. The attack, claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq—a coalition of Iranian-supported Shiite militias—explicitly cited the Israeli offensive in Gaza as its motivation. This suggests Iran and its proxies aim to pressure U.S. President Biden into influencing a ceasefire in Gaza or face sustained Iranian escalation in Iraq and Syria with the goal of expelling U.S. forces from both countries.
Iranian-backed militias have previously conducted numerous rocket and drone attacks against U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, but the recent attack signifies a notable shift. Its lethal impact, occurring on Jordanian soil, indicates an expansion of militia activities beyond Iraq and Syria. This poses a challenge for Jordan, caught between supporting the U.S. in Iraq and Syria and maintaining peace with Israel while opposing its Gaza offensive.
The timing of the attack coincides with reports of the Biden administration's policy discussions regarding the future deployment of U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq. Until recently, policymakers believed Iraqi politicians wanted U.S. forces to counterbalance Iran. However, the dynamics changed after the Gaza War, with Tehran and its proxies launching attacks in Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea. The attack in Jordan seems designed to force the Biden administration into a difficult choice—either continue supporting Israel's Gaza campaign and face ongoing attacks or pressure Israel into a ceasefire to prevent further escalation.
The risk lies in the potential backfire of this strategy, as the American public strongly disapproves of both endless wars and abrupt withdrawals. The attack's lethality may increase pressure on Biden to respond more forcefully against Iranian-backed proxies, potentially pushing for a shift in the administration's approach to contain Iran in the region. This could involve a more assertive stance to preserve U.S. and allied interests in the Middle East and beyond.
Ukraine Destroys Russian Missile Corvette
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Between the Lines to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.