US launches strikes in Iraq, Syria over Jordan drone attack

U.S. forces on Friday conducted strikes against Iranian-backed militant forces in Syria and Iraq in retaliation for a drone strike on Sunday that killed three U.S. servicemembers and injured many more.

The drone strike hit U.S. forces at Tower 22, a position in Jordan near the junction of Iraq and Syria. The drone reportedly arrived at the same time a U.S. drone was expected to return, resulting in confusion and an ineffective response.

"At 4:00 p.m. (EST) Feb. 02, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups," CENTCOM confirmed. "U.S. military forces struck more than 85 targets, with numerous aircraft to include long-range bombers flown from United States."

"The airstrikes employed more than 125 precision munitions. The facilities that were struck included command and control operations centers, intelligence centers, rockets, and missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicle storages, and logistics and munition supply chain facilities of militia groups and their IRGC sponsors who facilitated attacks against U.S. and Coalition forces," the statement continued.

Throughout the week, President Joe Biden faced considerable pressure to respond forcefully to the episode, with some Republicans even calling to strike Iran directly. The president on Tuesday indicated he had determined his course of action.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.