US Airstrikes Against Iran-Backed Militia Draw Iraqi Condemnation

The U.S. carried out airstrikes against Iran-backed targets in Syria under the direction of President Joe Biden, drawing condemnation from Iraq and vows of revenge from militia groups.

Iraq called the airstrikes a “blatant” violation of national sovereignty that breached international law. The airstrikes targeted operational and weapons facilities at two locations in Syria and another location in Iraq that have been used to launch drone attacks against U.S. personnel.

The strikes reportedly killed at least five militia fighters and wounding several others. Syrian media has also reported that a child was killed in the airstrike, along with three other civilians being wounded.

This marks the second time this year Biden has ordered an airstrike in Syria, with the first one occurring in February that left more than 20 militia dead. Both strikes by the U.S. were done without congressional approval.

The recent strikes come at a delicate moment between the U.S. and Iran. Biden has been trying to revive the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal that former President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018.

Biden has said that the airstrikes were designed to protect U.S. personnel. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said “necessary and appropriate action designed to limit the risk of escalation.”