Washington,DC:US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla has affirmed the commitment to continue the offensive against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups. The ongoing actions are in response to the perceived threats posed by these groups to the stability of Iraq and the safety of Americans. Recent US airstrikes targeted Iran-backed militia positions in both Iraq and Syria.
“Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and affiliated militia groups continue to represent a direct threat to the stability of Iraq, the region, and the safety of Americans. We will continue to take action, do whatever is necessary to protect our people, and hold those responsible who threaten their safety,” stated General Michael, as quoted by news agency ANI.
The airstrikes conducted by US forces have caused concerns in Iraq. The spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces has warned of undesirable consequences for security and stability in Iraq and the broader region.
“These strikes constitute a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, undermining the efforts of the Iraqi government and posing a threat that could lead to undesirable consequences with dire implications for security and stability in Iraq and the region,” said the spokesperson, as quoted by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The US airstrikes on Friday were a response to a recent deadly attack in Jordan by Iran-backed militants. Three US military personnel were killed, and dozens were injured in the attack. The targets of the airstrikes included command and control centers, rockets, missiles, drone storage facilities, as well as logistics and munition supply chain facilities.
US President Joe Biden emphasized that the United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. In a statement, he said, “The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But let all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.”