The United States has launched a coordinated air campaign against targets in the Middle East following last weekend's attack on U.S. forces that killed three service members and wounded more than 40 others.
After the escalation, a debate ensued within the White House about the best course of action to take.
Today's strikes occurred after President Biden attended a “dignified transfer” ceremony for the three slain U.S. soldiers.
Per CNN:
Officials have signaled the strikes are likely to be more significant than previous attacks on Iranian-backed militias over the last several weeks, which have primarily focused on weapons storage or training facilities. But the administration is threading a needle – they want to deter and stop further attacks but avoid a full-scale conflict with Iran breaking out in a region already roiled by the continuing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
The Biden administration has signaled there could be additional actions in the coming days; Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday the US response would be “multi-tiered.”
“We have the ability to respond a number of times, depending on what the situation is,” he said at a news conference at the Pentagon.
“They have a lot of capability. I have a lot more,” Austin added referring to the Iranian-backed militias.
Also on Friday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it struck Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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