Sharjah24 – AFP: The US military launched retaliatory air strikes against Iranian forces and Tehran-backed militia groups in Iraq and Syria on Friday, killing at least 18 fighters, following a deadly drone attack on an American base in Jordan.
The United States blamed the Sunday drone attack on Iran-backed forces, but did not strike the country's territory, with Washington seeking to deter future attacks while stopping short of all-out war with Tehran, something both sides have sought to avoid.
"Our response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing," President Joe Biden said in a statement.
"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," he added.
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