[News] Most targeted sites completely evacuated before aggression: Sources

[Anti-Imperialist News]

english.almayadeen.net
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/most-targeted-sites-completely-evacuated-before-aggression>
Most targeted sites completely evacuated before aggression: Sources
Al Mayadeen English
February 3, 2024
------------------------------

The Iraqi Armed Forces stress that these "strikes" flagrantly violate Iraqi
sovereignty, undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government, and pose a
significant threat that could drag Iraq and the region into highly
undesirable consequences.
[image: 84d446ee-c777-4fee-b91e-79deeaf460b9.jpg]

   - Footage of the recent American aggression on sites in Iraq and Syria
   on February 2, 2024. (ScreenGrab/ X)

The spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces,
Yahya Rasool Abdullah, stated that the cities of al-Qaim and the Iraqi
border areas were subjected to air “strikes” by US aircraft, adding that
these “strikes” come at a time when Iraq is striving to ensure the
stability of the region.

He emphasized that these "strikes" flagrantly violate Iraqi sovereignty,
undermine the efforts of the Iraqi government, and pose a significant
threat that could drag Iraq and the region into highly undesirable
consequences. He underscored that the ramifications of these actions would
be severe, particularly jeopardizing the security and stability of both
Iraq and the region.

An official from the Iraqi Ministry of Interior informed *AFP* that, based
on preliminary information, the American "strike" targeted a warehouse for
light weapons. Concurrently, an official from the Iraqi Popular
Mobilization Forces, speaking to the same agency, emphasized that the
bombing in the al-Qaim area did not lead to any casualties.

Sources to *Al Mayadeen* confirm that most targeted sites had been
evacuated before the aggression.

As a result of the aggression, *Al Mayadeen*'s correspondent in Aleppo
reported that electricity had been completely cut off in Deir Ezzor.

Furthermore,* Al Mayadeen*'s correspondent in Iraq reported two civilian
martyrs in the initial toll of the aggression against al-Qaim and Akashat.

On Friday, the United States launched an aggression on different areas in
Iraq and Syria.
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-conduct-series-of-airstrikes-in-syria--response-for-jorda>
Officials anticipate that the aggression marks the "commencement of a
series of retaliatory actions in response to the deaths of three US
soldiers in Jordan
<https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/us-says-3-soldiers-killed--dozens-injured-in-drone-attack-in>
earlier
this week".

US Centcom claims its forces struck more than 85 targets in Iraq and Syria
with numerous aircraft including long-range bombers.

It claims it struck facilities including "command and control ops,
intelligence centers, rockets, missiles, UAV storages, supply chain
facilities belonging to IRGC Quds Force."

 According to a Defense Department official, the aggression attack utilized
long-range B-1B Lancer bombers. Additionally, a senior administration
official clarified that, as of now, there are no plans for the US to
conduct strikes within Iran.

US President Joe Biden stated that he had directed military strikes on
facilities in Iraq and Syria. "Our response began today. It will continue
at times and places of our choosing," Biden said in a statement.

"The United States does not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere
else in the world. But let all those who might seek to do us harm know
this: If you harm an American, we will respond."
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