US Strikes in Iraq and Syria: Retaliation Amid Tensions with Iran

Iran (Washington Insider Magazine)—At least 16 people were killed in a series of US air strikes on Iraq, the government confirmed. The attacks, targeting both civilian and military areas, injured 25 more. The strikes were in retaliation for a deadly attack on US soldiers in Jordan, believed to be carried out by Iran-aligned groups.

Iraq condemned the US military’s actions as “aggression” against its sovereignty, while Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned of further destabilizing effects on regional security.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported using bombers and precision munitions to strike over 85 targets across Iraq and Syria, including key facilities linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the US claimed the targets were Iran-aligned, no Iranian casualties have been confirmed.

Tensions have escalated as Iran-aligned groups in Iraq and Syria, including the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, retaliated with missile strikes on US bases. Despite claims of reduced hostilities, the strikes signify an ongoing and volatile conflict in the region.

US President Joe Biden has vowed to continue military actions “at times and places of our choosing,” warning of more strikes.