US launches air strikes in Syria and Iraq, targets Iran-backed groups

The US military on Sunday carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed militia groups near the border between Iraq and Syria, following instructions from President Joe Biden. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the bases were being used to conduct unmanned air strikes against US troops in Iraq.

Kirby said US forces had targeted two bases in Syria and one in Iraq. Operational and weapon storage facilities were targeted during this period. He described the airstrikes as "defensive", saying they were carried out in response to attacks by militia groups backed by Iran.

Let us tell you that since becoming president, Joe Biden has ordered military action in the area for the second time in 5 months. Earlier in February, the US carried out airstrikes on facilities in Syria near the Iraqi border. The Biden administration said the facilities were used by Iran-backed militia groups. The Pentagon said the attack was in retaliation for a rocket attack in Iraq in February.

A Pentagon spokesman said Biden was "absolutely clear that he would continue to work to protect American security personnel." In international law, the United States has acted in accordance with its right to self-defense, he said. This was vital and limited in scope to deal with the threat of attack.