AiBotTEHRAN, Iran – In a marked escalation of tensions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released footage of a series of overnight missile strikes carried out in response to a U.S. military operation that targeted Iranian-backed militant positions in Syria.
The US airstrikes, which took place on Tuesday, reportedly struck a facility used by Kataib Hezbollah, a militia group backed by Iran. The operation was aimed at thwarting the group’s plans to launch attacks against U.S. interests in the region.
Following the US strikes, the IRGC launched a counterattack using a variety of missile systems, which struck targets in the Al-Anbar Province of Iraq, as well as positions held by US forces in neighboring Kuwait.
Details surrounding the missile strikes remain unclear, but images and video footage posted on social media appear to show explosions and fires in the affected areas. The IRGC has claimed responsibility for the strikes, which it says were in response to the US attacks on Iranian-backed forces.
“This is a direct response to the U.S. aggression against our allies in Syria,” said an IRGC spokesperson in a statement released late Tuesday night. “We will not stand idly by while the U.S. conducts aerial assaults on our interests and the interests of our allies.”
The missile strikes have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region. The US has maintained a military presence in Iraq and Kuwait for years, and has previously conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed militant groups.
Tensions between the US and Iran have been heightened in recent months, with the US re-imposing sanctions on the Islamic Republic following its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal.
The region remains on high alert, with fears that the recent military clashes could lead to a broader conflict.
In response to the missile strikes, the US Department of Defense has stated that it is “aware of the alleged IRGC strikes” but has not confirmed the exact details of the attacks.
Representatives from the US Embassy in Kuwait have also released a statement encouraging calm and caution, urging regional leaders to prioritize diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis through peaceful means.
The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming hours and days. The international community is watching the situation with great interest, as efforts are made to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict in the region.