The Pentagon reported on Thursday that approximately 40 militants were killed in a series of strikes on 85 Iran-linked targets across Iraq and Syria on February 2nd. The strikes were part of the United States’ response to the killing of three service members at Tower 22 in Jordan. In a separate operation, the U.S. targeted Yemen on February 3rd, destroying over 100 missiles and missile-launchers.Â
Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized that these strikes aim to prevent escalation and are a direct response to threats posed by Iranian-backed forces, underscoring the U.S.’s commitment to defending its personnel and maintaining the free flow of commerce in strategic regions.
The U.S. conducted another strike in downtown Baghdad, killing Kataib Hezbollah leader Abu Baqir al-Saadi, who was implicated in planning attacks against U.S. forces. The Pentagon assured that no civilians were harmed during this targeted strike, although it is investigating a civilian casualty claim from the February 2nd attacks. These operations mark the most significant U.S. military action against Iran-backed groups since mid-October.
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