Biden orders US military strikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard targets in Iraq and Syria

"This afternoon, under my direction, the U.S. military struck targets in Iraq and Syria which were used by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated militias for attacks on U.S. forces. Our response began today. It will proceed at a time and place of our choosing," wrote the American President in a statement.

He further emphasised that the United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East.

"However, let all those who wish us harm understand this: if you harm an American, we will respond," added President Joe Biden.

U.S. forces initiated strikes against units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and affiliated militias in Syria and Iraq on Friday, as announced by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). They targeted 85 locations, including command centres, intelligence hubs, and missile and drone depots.

No detailed information about the bombing has been provided by the Pentagon so far. The command controlling the Middle East region reported that the strikes were conducted at 8 p.m. Greenwich Time, directed at the al-Quds Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces and their allied groups.

"The U.S. military struck more than 85 targets using several aircraft, including long-range bombers from the United States," read the statement. Over 125 precision missiles were used in the attack, with targets including "command operation centres, intelligence hubs, missile depots, unmanned vehicles, logistics facilities and ammunition supply chain," related to the militias and their Iranian sponsors.