US Attacks on IRGC Positions in Iraq and Syria; Biden: Our Response Will Continue at Different Times and Places

The US Central Command, CENTCOM, announced that it targeted Quds Force operatives of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and affiliated militia groups in Iraq and Syria early Saturday, February 3, local time. According to this announcement, US forces struck over 85 sites in these two countries using multiple aircraft, including long-range bombers that were deployed from the United States. After the US military operations in Iraq and Syria, the President of the United States stated: "Today's attacks were conducted at my order and will continue at other times and places, wherever we want." Joe Biden said: "On Friday afternoon, at my direction, US military forces attacked targets and facilities in Iraq and Syria that the IRGC and its affiliated militias were using to attack American forces." The US President added: "The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world, but all those who seek to harm people should know that if you harm an American, we will respond." According to CENTCOM, over 125 precision munitions were used in the early morning airstrikes, destroying facilities including command and control operation centers, intelligence centers, rocket and missile storage, drone storage, and supply chain facilities of the militia groups and IRGC supporters. CENTCOM emphasized that the targeted sites were those facilitating attacks against US and coalition forces. Meanwhile, AFP reported, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights based in London, that at least 18 IRGC-backed militants were killed in eastern Syria, with five of them killed in Deir ez-Zor. The Strategic Communications Coordinator of the National Security Council at the White House stated on Friday, Washington time, after the US military operations in Iraq and Syria, that the aim of these attacks is to reduce the offensive capabilities of hostile forces, and the response that began tonight will not end tonight. John Kirby, speaking at a press conference with reporters, also emphasized that the United States does not seek war and direct confrontation with the Islamic Republic, but will respond to any attack on US interests and forces. The US retaliatory attacks occurred hours after the arrival of the bodies of three fallen American soldiers in the United States. The President and First Lady, the US Secretary of Defense, and several other officials attended the ceremony for the arrival of these soldiers' bodies at a military airport near the capital. Earlier on Friday, the Associated Press reported, citing a US official, that the United States had reinforced its defenses at the "Tower 22" base in Jordan, which had been attacked by IRGC-backed militants. A US State Department official stated: Iran's proxy actions complicate efforts to prevent the escalation of conflict in the region. Lloyd Austin: The attack on the US base in Jordan was carried out by IRGC proxy groups. CBS News: The US has finalized plans to attack IRGC proxies in Iraq and Syria. Blinken: We will hold accountable those responsible for the attack on US forces in Jordan. The US blamed the "Islamic Resistance of Iraq" for the drone attack on its soldiers in Jordan; revenge is on the way. The US stated: The time for suspending the activities of Kata'ib Hezbollah has passed; we will hold them accountable. Biden stated that he has decided on how to respond to the deadly attack on American soldiers. The Pentagon: The suspension of Kata'ib Hezbollah operations will not affect US retaliatory actions. The White House: The attack on the US base in Jordan has the characteristics of IRGC-backed groups in Iraq. The US Secretary of Defense: "We will take all necessary actions" in retaliation for the deaths of American soldiers.