February 2024 United States airstrikes in Iraq and Syria facts for kids
Quick facts for kids February 2024 United States airstrikes in Iraq and Syria |
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| Part of the attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria (2023–present) and spillover of the Israel–Hamas war | |
| Location | Iraq and Syria |
| Target |  Iranian Revolutionary Guards Liwa al-Tafuf Popular Mobilization Forces Kata'ib Hezbollah Islamic Resistance in Iraq Liwa Fatemiyoun |
| Date | 2–7 February 2024 (5 days) |
| Executed by |  United States
Specific units:
 United States Armed Forces
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| Outcome |
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| Casualties | 54–55 killed |
In February 2024, the United States military carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria. These attacks targeted groups linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The strikes were a response to a drone attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers.
Contents
Why the Strikes Happened
Since October 2023, many attacks have happened against U.S. military bases. These attacks were carried out by groups supported by Iran. They took place in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria. Dozens of U.S. troops were hurt in these attacks.
On January 28, 2024, a drone hit a U.S. base in Jordan called Tower 22. This attack killed three U.S. soldiers. It also injured 47 others. The U.S. said these airstrikes were a way to respond to that attack.
The Bombing Operations
First Strikes: February 2
Around midnight on February 2, the United States Air Force launched airstrikes. These strikes targeted groups linked to Iran in Iraq and Syria. Two large B-1B bombers flew all the way from Texas for this mission.
The targets included places where these groups managed their operations. They also hit places where they stored rockets, missiles, and drones. Supply centers for weapons were also targeted. U.S. officials said they hit 85 targets. These targets were across seven different locations. Three were in Iraq and four were in Syria. They used 125 special guided missiles. More than 80 of the targeted places were destroyed.
Iraqi officials reported that six airstrikes hit locations in Iraq. Syrian state media also reported "American aggression" in their desert areas. In Iraq, 16 fighters were killed when a headquarters was hit. Three houses used by a group called Kata'ib Hezbollah were also hit. In Syria, at least 35 Iran-backed fighters were killed.
Later Strike: February 7
On February 7, the U.S. carried out another drone strike. This happened in Baghdad, Iraq. Three members of Kata'ib Hezbollah were killed. One of them was a senior leader. The Iraqi government was very upset about this attack. They said the U.S. military was making things unstable.
What Happened After
The United States Department of the Treasury put new rules on some people. These people were connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This means they could not do business with the U.S.
Satellite pictures showed a lot of damage to a facility. This facility was used by a group called Liwa Fatemiyoun in Syria. It was completely destroyed by the bombers.
In Iraq, a funeral was held for 17 fighters killed in the airstrikes. People at the funeral protested against the U.S.
On February 4, U.S. President Joe Biden said more actions might be taken. He said these actions would target the IRGC and related groups. This was to stop attacks on U.S. forces.
Reactions from Around the World
United States Leaders
President Joe Biden stated that their response had begun. He said it would "continue at times and places of our choosing."
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called the strikes "the start of our response." He added that President Biden wanted to hold the IRGC and its linked groups responsible.
Iraq's Response
The Iraqi government strongly criticized the attacks. They called it a "new aggression" against their country's independence. Iraq called in the U.S. diplomat in Baghdad to formally protest.
Syria's Response
The Syrian Ministry of Defence also spoke out against the attacks. They said the "American occupation forces" were trying to weaken their army. They claimed this was to stop their fight against terrorism.
Iran's Response
Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks. They called it a "strategic error" by the U.S. government. They said it would only make the region more unstable. They also said the attacks broke international laws.
President Ebrahim Raisi said Iran would not start a war. But he warned that Iran would "respond strongly" to anyone who tried to bully it.
Iraqi Groups' Reactions
Some Iraqi militia leaders warned other countries. They asked Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia not to let the U.S. use their land for attacks. They said they would target the source of any attacks.
A spokesperson for Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba said that the U.S. "must understand that every action elicits a reaction." He also said they did not want to make tensions worse.
The head of the Popular Mobilization Commission said the U.S. airstrikes went "too far." He said attacking their facility was crossing a "red line." He warned that the U.S. strikes would not be ignored.
Other Countries and Groups
Hezbollah and Hamas also spoke out against the attacks. They called them a violation of sovereignty. They said the attacks would make things worse.
The United Kingdom supported the U.S. They called the U.S. a "steadfast" ally. They said the U.S. had the right to respond to attacks on its bases.
Poland's foreign minister said the U.S. airstrikes happened because Iranian-backed groups were "playing with fire."
Russia and China both criticized the attacks. Russia said the U.S. was "sowing chaos and destruction" in the Middle East. China said the U.S. actions were "stoking new turmoil."
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