The United States has initiated a series of airstrikes in both Iraq and Syria, following the tragic loss of 3 Army Reserves personnel at a US base in Jordan known as Tower 22. The airstrikes were conducted at 4PM EST, February 2nd, and involved US B-1B “Lancer” Heavy Bombers, A-10C Thunderbolt II “Warthogs,” and other fighter aircraft under the command of CENTCOM.
In a statement released on X, (Formerly Twitter) CENTCOM announced that they have successfully targeted both Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and Iranian-linked militia groups in Syria and Iraq. CENTCOM also stated that the US struck over 85 targets, utilizing over 125 precise munitions, hitting facilities such a command and control operations centers, intelligence centers, rockets, and missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicle storages, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities.
CENTCOM Statement on U.S. Strikes in Iraq and Syria
At 4:00 p.m. (EST) Feb. 02, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups. U.S. military forces… pic.twitter.com/HeLMFDx9zY
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 2, 2024
In a statement, Secretary of Defense Loyd Austin stated “This is the start of our response,” while President Joe Biden shared a similar sentiment, “It will continue at times and places of our choosing.” Previous reports and comments from US officials indicated that the US was preparing for an intensive campaign, possibly lasting multiple weeks.
18:31 EST: U.S. officials stated they were awaiting favorable weather conditions to strike Iran-backed militia targets in Iraq and Syria, “This was designed around the weather, when we had our best opportunity,” explained Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Sims II – NBC
17:55 EST: The spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces stated that city of Al-Qa’im, and other areas along the Syria – Iraq border “are being subjected to air strikes by United States aircraft.”
16:57 EST: There are reports that the Headquarters and Operations Base used by the 13th Brigade of the Iranian-Backed, Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) has been completely destroyed in Western Iraq by US Airstrikes.
Unverified footage of the the strikes leading to ammunition cook-off in al-Qaim, Iraq
Al-Qaim, Iraq, rockets cook off from an Iranian munitions depot targeted by US bombers. pic.twitter.com/0S8aTEaDDQ
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 2, 2024
