The US military launched retaliatory air strikes against Iranian forces and Tehran-backed militia groups in Iraq and Syria on Friday, killing at least 18 fighters, following a deadly drone attack on an American base in Jordan.
The United States blamed the Sunday drone attack on Iran-backed forces but did not strike the country’s territory in response, with Washington seeking to deter future attacks while stopping short of all-out war with Tehran — something both sides have sought to avoid.
The US president said in a statement that the strikes had been launched in retaliation for the drone strike that killed three US troops in Jordan, our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing in a statement.
