Jordan drone attack: US retaliates with massive air assault on over 85 targets across Iraq, Syria

In response to the drone strike that killed three US soldiers in Jordan, the US military launched a massive air assault targeting over 85 locations across Iraq and Syria. The strikes aimed at Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, seen as retaliation for the recent attack. (ANI)

The assault involved more than 125 precision munitions and aircraft, including long-range B-1 bombers. Key targets included command and control headquarters, intelligence centres, and rockets, missiles, drones, and ammunition storage sites. (ANI)

While the strikes avoided direct targeting of Iran or senior leaders of the Revolutionary guard within Iranian borders, President Joe Biden said that this was just the beginning, signalling more strikes to follow. The US aims to prevent further escalation of the conflict, although the overall impact remains uncertain. (AFP)

According to National security council spokesman John Kirby, targets were selected to minimise civilian casualties. However, casualties were reported in Syria, with Syrian state media mentioning unspecified casualties and the Syrian observatory for human rights reporting 18 militants killed. (AP)

Iraqi army spokesman Yahya Rasool condemned the strikes, viewing them as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty. He stated that the attacks undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government and pose a threat to the region.' (Reuters)

Joe Biden on Friday honoured the three soldiers killed in Jordan by a drone attack blamed on an Iran-backed militia after their bodies were returned to the United States. (AFP)

The intensely emotional military ritual was held at a Delaware air base. Biden was accompanied by First lady Jill Biden. The secretary of defense, Lloyd Austin, and the chairman of the Joint chiefs of staff, CQ Brown, also attended the event known as a "dignified transfer." (Reuters)