US Air Strikes on Iran-Aligned Targets in Iraq and Syria Spark Global Reactions

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
03/02/2024 19h23

In response to an attack that claimed the lives of American soldiers in Jordan, the United States has conducted a series of air strikes on Iran-aligned targets in Iraq and Syria. The strikes have garnered international attention and provoked various reactions from different countries and organizations.

According to Iraqi authorities, 16 people, including civilians, were killed within their country, while a monitoring group reported 18 casualties in Syria. The US warned of further strikes to deter the Iran-backed "axis of resistance" amid Israel's ongoing conflict with Gaza.

US President Joe Biden announced the overnight attacks, stating that the response began and would continue at times and places chosen by the US. However, these strikes have been criticized by several nations and entities.

Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks, considering them a violation of the country's sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter. The ministry pointed out that the strikes intensify tensions and instability in the region.

Statements from Hamas and Hezbollah condemned the US aggression against Iraq and Syria, viewing it as an infringement on the sovereignty and security of the two countries. Hamas linked the US attacks to the occupation's expansionist agenda and its crimes in Gaza. Hezbollah accused the US of violating international and humanitarian laws.

Russia's Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes, stating that they purposefully provoke conflict in the region. Russia called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council to address the threat to peace and safety caused by the US strikes.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed concern about the volatile situation in the Middle East and called for de-escalation to avoid further instability. The UK, a steadfast ally of the US, expressed support for the American right to respond to attacks while condemning Iran's destabilizing activities in the region.

Republican speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, criticized Biden for "placating" Iran, arguing that projecting strength is necessary for peace. However, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for an end to Israel's actions in Gaza and criticized the US for its military presence in the region.

Analysts and experts weighed in on the situation, with some emphasizing the importance of de-escalation in Gaza to ease tensions in the region. They noted that while the US wants to respond forcefully, it also aims to avoid a regional war and maintain its presence in Iraq.

As the aftermath of the air strikes unfolds, the international community remains divided on the US actions. The airstrikes have sparked debate about the effectiveness of such a strategy and the need for a peaceful resolution in the region.

It is evident that the US strikes have heightened tensions and generated global reactions, with various entities and nations expressing concerns about the violation of sovereignty, the potential for regional conflict, and the need for de-escalation in the ongoing crisis. The situation continues to evolve, with potential implications for security and stability in Iraq and the surrounding region.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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