NOS News • Today, 5:44 PM US announces series of retaliation after death of three soldiers in Jordan
As expected, the US will carry out a series of retaliatory strikes following the deaths of three soldiers in Jordan. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced in a press conference that there will be a "multi-pronged response," but did not provide further details.
According to the BBC, a plan has been approved for multi-day air strikes on militias in Iraq and Syria. The British broadcaster relies on anonymous officials. Minister Austin was not asked about this information, but made it clear to journalists that counteractions are underway. “We have the ability to strike multiple times.”
According to Austin, the death of the American trio has hit Defense hard:
1:02 US Defense Minister responds to death of three soldiers: 'We are furious'
'Axis of Resistance' The US has also carried out air strikes in retaliation in Iraq and Syria several times in recent months. Almost every day, American soldiers or bases come under fire on a small scale with drones or missiles. These actions have been claimed by the self-declared 'Axis of Resistance'.
Tehran has always denied that it had anything to do with these attacks. But according to Washington, Iran is indeed behind it and supports the militias that together form the Axis of Resistance. Iran has gained increasing influence in the region in the aftermath of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq.
US: Iranian drone used One of the pro-Iranian fighting groups is held directly responsible by the US for the drone attack that killed three American soldiers last weekend. Dozens of others were injured in the attack on an army base in Jordan, according to the US. According to Washington, the kamikaze drone used was Iranian-made.
It is still unclear when the US will take action, but pro-Iranian fighting groups will be targeted. “This is a dangerous moment in the Middle East,” Austin said. The superpower is trying to find a balance between hitting back hard, but not allowing tensions in the region to rise further. Therefore, it is unlikely that targets in Iran will be targeted.
In addition to bombings, cyber attacks are also being considered, NBC News reported yesterday. This channel also based itself on officials in Washington.
