The American airstrikes that killed at least 23 people in Syria and 16 others in Iraq on the night of February 2-3, mostly pro-Iranian fighters, have triggered strong reactions in both countries. This could potentially question the U.S. military presence in the region, especially in Iraq.
Syrian authorities stated, “The occupation of certain parts of Syrian territory by U.S. forces can no longer continue,” expressing their determination to free the entire Syrian territory from terrorism and occupation.
Meanwhile, Iraq asserted that the presence of an international anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington on its soil had “become a threat to the security and stability” of the country. The Iraqi diplomacy later announced plans to summon the U.S. Charge d’Affaires in Baghdad to deliver an official letter of protest.
On January 25th, Iraq and the United States had already announced upcoming discussions about the future of the international anti-jihadist coalition, aiming to establish a timeline for reducing its personnel. For several weeks, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has consistently expressed his desire to see American troops leave his country.
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Approximately 900 U.S. soldiers are deployed in Syria and 2,500 in neighboring Iraq as part of the coalition created to combat the Islamic State when it controlled significant portions of Syrian and Iraqi territory.
Although the defeat of ISIS in Syria was declared in 2019 (and in Iraq in 2017), the coalition remained in the region to combat jihadist cells that continue to carry out attacks.
The White House asserted that the U.S. had “informed the Iraqi government before the strikes,” a claim denied by Baghdad on Saturday.
The U.S. conducted strikes targeting elite Iranian forces and pro-Iranian groups in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for a drone attack on January 28 in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers. Washington attributed this attack to Iran-supported groups.
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These strikes may only be the beginning. President Joe Biden stated, “Our response started today. It will continue on the schedule and at the places we decide.”
Several other countries reacted negatively to the U.S. attacks. A spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the overnight attack “an adventurous action and another strategic mistake by the Americans, which will only result in escalating tensions and instability in the region.”
The Russian diplomatic corps condemned the U.S. retaliatory strikes in Syria and Iraq, accusing Washington of believing in “its impunity” and “sowing chaos and destruction” in the Middle East.
The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas also condemned the U.S. airstrikes, stating that the United States was “adding fuel to the fire” in the Middle East and bearing “full responsibility” for potential repercussions.
With AFP
