US airstrike in Syria: Biden's first military operation targets Iran-backed militia in Syria

President Biden issued an order to strike Syria

The U.S. Department of Defense issued a statement on the 25th that the U.S. military launched air strikes against Iran-backed militia targets in eastern Syria and destroyed many facilities earlier in the day.

U.S. officials say the strike was under President Biden's direction and was authorized in response to the February 15th rocket attacks against American and coalition personnel in Iraq.

The specific targets of the air strikes were three large trucks carrying ammunition located in Syria and on the border of Iraq.

US Department of Defense spokesman John Kirby said that these targets were used by the armed militias "Kata'ib Hezbollah" and others, and they were supported by Iran.

The airstrike was Biden's first confirmed military operation since he became president.  The US airstrike killed 17 pro-Iranian militias who belonged to the Hashd al-Shaabi militia.

 
The military action comes as Washington and Tehran are looking for a way to return to the 2015 nuclear deal abandoned by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

On Friday (February 26), Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin responded to the U.S. air strike on Syria. He said that China calls on all parties concerned to respect Syria’s Sovereignty and Independence and territorial integrity and should avoid adding new complications to the situation in Syria.