Tehran (Iran): In response to mounting tensions in the region, Iran's foreign ministry staunchly defended the recent targeted strikes carried out by the Revolutionary Guards in Iraq and Syria. Described as a "precise and targeted" operation, the strikes aimed to deter perceived security threats, according to CNN.
The spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, Nasser Kanaani, asserted that the strikes specifically targeted a "terrorist headquarters" in Idlib, Syria, and a "Mossad-affiliated center" in Erbil, Iraq. Kanaani underscored the precision of the operation, highlighting the use of ballistic missiles to identify and strike the alleged criminal elements.
"The Islamic Republic identified and targeted the headquarters of criminals using ballistic missiles in a precise and targeted operation," Kanaani stated, emphasizing that the strikes were executed "in defense of (Iranian) sovereignty and security" as a response to terrorism.
Kanaani reiterated Iran's commitment to peace, stability, and security in the region, asserting respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. Simultaneously, he emphasized Iran's right to employ legitimate and legal measures to counter national security threats.
This recent attack on Idlib marks the first instance of Iran launching strikes in western Syria, representing one of the longest-range ballistic missile attacks in the nation's history. The situation has raised concerns about the potential escalation of Israel's military campaign in Gaza into a broader conflict in the Middle East, with potential humanitarian, political, and economic ramifications.
While this is not the initial occasion that Iran has targeted Syria, the recent developments underscore the escalating volatility in the region. In 2017, Iran carried out a similar strike against ISIS targets in retaliation for an attack on its parliament and the mausoleum of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khamenei. Tasnim News, an IRGC-affiliated media outlet, reported that the strikes in Idlib specifically targeted the headquarters of the Turkistan Islamic Party, further highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in the region.
—Input from Agencies
