Retaliatory airstrikes have been launched by the United States in the Middle East as a response to the recent attacks by Iranian-backed militias. The Pentagon has reported that more than 85 targets were struck, focusing on command and control operations, intelligence centers, rockets and missiles, unmanned air vehicles, and facilities related to logistics and munitions supply chains of the militias.
The decision to target these locations in Iraq and Syria was made by U.S. Central Command and approved by the White House. However, officials have clarified that they did not target Iran itself, as they do not want to escalate the situation into a full-blown war with the country. The objective behind these strikes is to send a strong message to Iran and its proxies that attacks on American forces will not be tolerated.
The airstrikes began at 4 p.m. Eastern time and were carried out by two B-1B Lancer bombers, which flew without stopping from the United States to participate in the mission. These supersonic warplanes have the capability to carry the largest conventional payload in the U.S. Air Force. Midair refueling took place during their journey.
U.S. defense officials have stated that the strikes lasted approximately 30 minutes and utilized more than 125 precision munitions, resulting in the destruction of numerous militia targets. The facilities that were targeted included command and control operations centers, intelligence centers, rockets and missiles, unmanned air vehicles, and logistics and munitions supply chain facilities.
The decision not to involve the U.S. Navy in these airstrikes was mentioned, despite their significant presence in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean region. The U.S. officials emphasized that they wish to avoid a larger conflict and have restrained the strikes to Iraq and Syria at this time.
In a statement, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin indicated that these airstrikes were just the beginning and that additional actions would be taken to hold the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militias accountable for their attacks on U.S. and coalition forces. The response is expected to unfold in varying times and locations and will be determined by the U.S. administration.
Regarding the response to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, it has been mentioned that there are no immediate plans to strike inside Yemen unless the attacks from the Houthis intensify. The focus in this initial round remains on Iraq and Syria.
While the U.S. military has undertaken these airstrikes in retaliation for the attacks on their forces, it is anticipated that further actions may be undertaken in the coming days. The situation with the Houthis, who have yet to show any signs of backing down, could potentially escalate the conflict if they continue to target ships in the region.
