Iran strikes targets in tension-ridden Iraq and Syria
Iran struck key targets in northern Syria and Iraq on January 15 as regional tensions reach boiling point, according to the Associated Press (AP).
The Middle Eastern powerhouse hit what they called, “Israeli spy headquarters” near the US consulate in the northern city of Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan. It was reported that the missiles, 10 of which were launched in the area, killed four and severely injured six.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, a group recognised as a terrorist organisation by Washington, claimed that the headquarters they struck in Erbil were those of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.
Iran also carried out an attack on ISIS targets in northern Syria and the Revolutionary Guard said that they had completely destroyed their terrorist operations.
READ: US retaliates against Iran-backed groups in Iraq
Amongst growing concerns that the Israel-Gaza conflict could widen, Iran-backed groups based in Iraq have dealt heavy blows on bases where US forces are present in both Syria and Iraq on an almost daily basis.
The militias have noted that they have been on the offensive since the beginning of October due to America’s unwavering historic support for Israel as well as in an attempt to send US troops packing from the region.
Following the attack in Erbil, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “We strongly condemn Iran’s attacks in Erbil and offer condolences to the families of the victims. We oppose Iran’s reckless missile strikes and support the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people.”
Following Hamas’ assault on Israel, the US had poked its nose in Middle Eastern affairs more so than in the recent past, emphasised by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s numerous visits to the region over the past three months.
AP/ CNN
