US greenlights multi-day offensive in Iraq and Syria against Iran-backed groups

United States, responding to recent drone attack near the Syrian border, approves a multi-day offensive in Iraq and Syria targeting Iranian personnel and facilities

United States media on Thursday reported that approval of the military campaign had been given by U.S. officials following the recent drone attack that killed three U.S. service members and wounded over 40 near the Syrian border. According to reports, the United States has given the go for multi-day strikes in Iraq and Syria, targeting various locations, including Iranian personnel and facilities. 

President Joe Biden, speaking to the press on Tuesday, announced that he had decided on how to respond to the drone strike that the U.S. blames on Iran-backed militants. Although the details of the operation is not given at this point, several reports by U.S. officials indicate that the US retaliatory campaign might last weeks.

In addition, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, revealed the possible scale and duration of the U.S. action on Monday, saying that it “could be multi-layered, come in stages, and be sustained over time,” which implies the phased and sustained response from Washington DC.

On Monday, the media were informed only about the approval of the plans but specified neither the time nor starting points of the proposed strikes. The condition heralds a dramatic intensification of the ongoing tensions in the area and a possibility for a long-term, multidimensional response from the US. 

Source: Reuters, Newsroom