Militia killed in Biden’s first airstrike
JOE Biden has taken the first military action of his presidency, launching an air strike against Iran-backed militias in Syria.
US rockets targeted a border control point used by groups thought to be behind attacks on a US base in northern Iraq earlier this month.
Last night the Pentagon said the strike, which is reported to have killed 22 fighters, ‘sends an unambiguous message’ that the President will defend US and coalition interests in the region.
The White House also said last night that while the US remains open to having diplomatic discussions with Iran, it will not yet take steps to ease sanctions.
Last night, UK security expert Colonel Richard Kemp defended President Biden’s decision.
He said: ‘This was intended to deter Iran from further attacks. If it does not succeed, Biden should order further attacks.’ But it was condemned by the Syrian government, who said the airstrike was a ‘bad sign’ from the new US administration.
Mr Biden’s first military intervention came ten days after a civilian contractor was killed in an attack on a US base near Irbil, Iraq.
Five other contractors, thought to be Iraqi-Kurds, and a US service member were also injured.