WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has attributed the drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. service members to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias. President Joe Biden is carefully considering his options for responding to the strike. In the face of U.S. threats, Iran has warned that it will decisively respond to any attack, holding Tehran responsible for the incident. As tensions rise, the U.S. has indicated its preparations for retaliatory strikes in the Middle East.
The National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, stated on Wednesday that the U.S. believes the attack was planned and supported by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, including the militant group Kataib Hezbollah. President Biden acknowledges the importance of responding appropriately to this incident and is continuing to carefully weigh his options. Kirby also emphasized that the U.S. response will not be a one-off action.
Kirby dismissed a statement by the Iraqi militia group, Kataib Hezbollah, which announced a suspension of military and security operations against U.S. forces. He stated that the group cannot be taken at face value and that they are not the only group that has been attacking the U.S. military. According to the U.S. military, since October 18th, Kataib Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned militias have launched 166 attacks on U.S. military installations, including the recent attack in Jordan.
The U.S. has previously carried out strikes against these militias in retaliation. In late October, U.S. fighter jets targeted weapons and ammunition storage sites in Syria that were being used by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian-backed groups. In November, fighter jets bombed an IRGC weapons storage facility in Syria, and airstrikes targeted a training facility and safe house in Syria in December. In January, the U.S. launched strikes on locations in Iraq used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups.
Additional American strikes could further escalate tensions, especially in an already volatile region. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has already inflamed the situation, and any strikes targeting Iran could potentially spark a wider conflict. Observers are concerned about the potential consequences of further military actions.
In the midst of these tensions, there have been recent clashes between the U.S. and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes targeting the Houthi rebels, while the rebels have targeted U.S. ships in the Red Sea. The situation is raising concerns for commercial aviation passing through or over Iran. Iran’s air defenses have been described as being at their highest defensive readiness.
The U.S. and its allies are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and are prepared to defend against any further attacks. However, they also emphasize that they do not seek a broader conflict or war with Iran. The international community continues to watch as tensions rise and hope for a peaceful resolution to the escalating situation.
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