On February 2, the United States launched a massive strike against Iran's influence in the Middle East, with airstrikes on multiple targets of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and militias it supports in Syria and Iraq. U.S. aircraft fired more than 125 precision-guided missiles and destroyed 85 targets, including an operational command and control center, an intelligence center, missile and drone depots, and logistics and ammunition facilities, according to IA.
The airstrike was U.S. retaliation for the Jan. 28 attack on the "Tower 22" base on the Jordanian border. The attack killed 3 U.S. troops and wounded 40. The United States believes the attack was carried out by an Iranian-backed militant group.
John Kirby, a spokesman for the U.S. Commission, declared the operation "successful" after the airstrike and said it was the beginning of a series of retaliatory actions. He said U.S. aircraft attacked 85 targets in seven different locations, three in Iraq and four in Syria, using "about 125 precision munitions."
However, the "success" of the United States did not last long, and was met with a strong counterattack from the Iranian forces. The Iraqi Resistance Group issued a statement on February 3 announcing that it had carried out an attack on the U.S. military at the Harrir airbase in northern Iraq in response to U.S. airstrikes on targets in Syria and Iraq.
In addition to this, other armed groups have launched attacks on US military bases. Iraqi resistance groups used drones and rockets to attack three U.S. military bases in Iraq and Syria on February 3, including the Tanf base in Syria, the Qadera village base, and the Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province in western Iraq, according to Iran's Fars news agency.
RIA Novosti, citing information from local sources, also reported that the US base in the Koniko gas field in eastern Syria was hit by four rockets and burst into flames. These attacks were all in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Syria and Iraq.
The U.S. air strikes not only failed to achieve the goal of striking at Iranian forces, but caused a major blow to themselves and the locals. According to the latest news from the British Sky News network, at least 34 people were killed and 25 injured as a result of the US airstrike. Among them, at least 18 people have been killed by pro-Iranian militant groups in eastern Syria. The "13th Tafuf Brigade" also announced that "16 people were killed and 25 injured as a result of American bombing".
Iran has not shown fear or retreat in the face of U.S. strikes, but has strengthened its military presence in the Middle East. Iran is considering the transfer of B**AR-373 air defense systems to Syria, reports by **IA. The B**AR-373 is a long-range anti-aircraft missile system launched by Iran in August 2016 that is capable of intercepting and destroying long-range air targets, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
Iran's supply of B**AR-373 air defense systems to Syria will strengthen Syria's air defense, while also increasing Iran's influence in Syria. This poses an even greater threat to US and Israeli air strikes.
The conflict between the United States and Iran in the Middle East has been going on for years, and neither side has abandoned its interests and goals. The United States is trying to weaken Iran's influence in the Middle East and prevent it from developing nuclear and missiles. Iran, for its part, is trying to protect its sovereignty and security by supporting its allies and people in the Middle East.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has not only affected the relations between the two countries, but also the stability and peace in the Middle East. A direct or indirect military confrontation between the United States and Iran could trigger a larger-scale war, causing more human and property losses, and even endangering global security.
It remains to be seen whether the United States and Iran will be able to resolve their differences diplomatically and avoid further conflict.