Following US retaliatory strikes in Iraq and Syria on Friday, US President Joe Biden pointed out that the strikes would continue of any American is harmed.
"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," Biden stated.
This comes after a drone attack by Iran-backed militants on an American military outpost in Jordan on Sunday. The attack killed three US soldiers -- U.S. Army Sgt. William Rivers, Sgt. Breonna Moffett, Sgt. Kennedy Sanders -- and injured more than 40 others.
"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," added the US President.
"This afternoon, at my direction, US military forces struck targets at facilities in Iraq and Syria that the IRGC and affiliated militia use to attack US forces. Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing," he said.
According to a CNN report, citing two US defence officials, the targets were spread across seven locations and the airstrikes involved participation of Air Force B-1 bombers.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the airstrikes are "the start of our response."
"The President has directed additional militias accountable for their attacks on US 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 heroes."
The US Central Command stated, "US military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to include long-range bombers flown from the United States. The airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions. The facilities that were strick included command and control operations, centres, intelligence centres, rockets and missiles and unmanned aerial vehicle storages and logistics and munitions supply chain facilities of militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against US and Coalition forces."
