The video with the mobile phone shows what is left of a desolate outpost on the Syrian side of the border with Iraq after the American air attacks on Thursday. Two F-15 eagles dropped seven 500-pound bombs, completely destroying nine buildings and destroying two. Initial reports said one person was killed and three injured.
“I recognize the significance of this operation, that it is the first of its kind in the new administration,” said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.
Kirby said Iranian-backed militias used the border post to smuggle weapons into Iraq.
“Again, these structures had information that gave us confidence in these structures, this site, this complex – because all the buildings were all on one complex – were used by these groups to facilitate the movement of resources, materials, weapons in Iraq. to lead the attacks, “Kirby said.
Two weeks ago, American officials say, missiles made by Iran were launched at a base in Iraq, where American troops are stationed. Thursday night’s strike was a message to Iran.
“This is a clear and unequivocal message to anyone in the region about the stakes if you continue to carry out attacks on our people,” Kirby said.
Defense officials say the strike was intended to be a final one, but it will depend on how Iran and its allies react.
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