- The US has carried out strikes on Iraq and Syria in retaliation to an attack that killed three American troops in Jordan last weekend. The Iraqi military has warned the strikes will have “disastrous” consequences for the region
Iraq has warned that security in the Middle East is on “brink of the abyss,” accusing the U.S. of “disavowing legal responsibility” and “misleading international public opinion.”
Denying American statement that it was told about the strikes before they took place, Iraq said the attacks were launched “against the sovereignty of Iraq,” as security force locations and neighbouring civilian areas were “bombed by several American aircraft”.
It said 16 people, including civilians, were killed in the strikes, and 25 others were wounded.
“This aggressive strike will put security in Iraq and the region on the brink of the abyss, and it also contradicts efforts to establish the required stability,” it added.
“Iraq reiterates its refusal to let its lands be an arena for settling scores, and all parties must realize this.
“Our country’s land and sovereignty are not the appropriate place to send messages and show force between opponents.
“The Iraqi government will make every effort required by moral, national, and constitutional responsibility to protect our land, our cities, and the lives of our children in all types of armed forces.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has condemned America’s airstrikes on Iraq and Syria, warning it will only increase tensions in the region.
Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said the strikes violated the “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of the two countries.
He warned the attacks represented “another adventurous and strategic mistake by the United States that will result only in increased tension in instability in the region.”
At the same time, President Biden has said that the U.S. retaliatory strikes will continue “at times and places of our choosing.”
“This afternoon, at my direction, US military forces struck targets at facilities in Iraq and Syria that the IRGC [Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps] and affiliated militia use to attack US forces.
“Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing.
“The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin echoed Biden’s statement, saying the strikes are “the start of our response”.
“I will not tolerate attacks on American forces. We will take all necessary actions to defend the United States, our forces, and our interests.”