China News Service, February 27, reported that on the 25th local time, U.S. President Biden ordered the U.S. military to launch airstrikes on multiple facilities of Iran-backed militia organizations in Syria, killing at least 22 people so far.
Biden also warned Iran on the 26th to "be careful."
In addition, the airstrike was criticized and condemned by some US lawmakers from both parties.
Biden warns Iran: you have to be "careful"
The US Department of Defense announced on the 25th that under Biden's order, the US military launched an air strike on the target of a militia organization supported by Iran in eastern Syria.
The US Department of Defense pointed out that the airstrike killed 22 militia members in response to a series of rocket attacks on the US military in Iraq.
Data map: US President Biden.
The Pentagon stated that the air strikes in Syria were mainly aimed at combat infrastructure, with the purpose of preventing future attacks, rather than causing heavy casualties.
Syria and Iran condemned the US airstrike.
On the 26th local time, the White House pointed out that the air strikes launched by the United States in eastern Syria had sent a "clear message."
White House Press Secretary Psaki said that President Biden "transmitted a clear message that he will take action to protect the American people, and that when threats arise, he has the right to act at the time and choose his method of action."
Psaki said that the air strike was a "cautious" decision, and that Biden's move was aimed at "moderating activities in Syria and Iraq."
At the same time, Biden said on the 26th when he went to Houston that the US airstrike was a warning.
When asked what message he wanted to convey to Iran, he said: "You can't get away with it. Be careful."
On February 15th, Erbil, the capital of the Kurdish Autonomous Region of Iraq, was hit by several rockets.
The US military-led anti-extremist organization "Islamic State" was hit near the location of the League of Nations. An employee of the League of Nations contractor was killed and many others were injured.
The Shia militia armed "Blood Guardian Brigade" announced that it had committed the attack.
This week, Iran stated that it has no contact with the organization.
Congressmen from both parties criticized and questioned airstrikes
On the other hand, Biden’s decision to order the launch of an air strike was criticized by members of both parties in the US Congress, who questioned that Biden did not have the authority to execute this action.
Democratic senator and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee Kane said in a written statement that Americans should understand the "reasonableness" of the airstrike and "there is no legitimate reason for requesting congressional approval."
Kane said: "Offensive military operations that are not approved by Congress are not constitutionally exempt from special circumstances."
And Murphy, a Democratic senator and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Asian Affairs team, also said in a statement: "There is no doubt that the President has the right to defend our country and our troops from imminent attacks."
However, he believes that "such retaliatory air strikes are unnecessary to prevent imminent threats and must conform to the current military authorization of Congress."
Murphy said that Congress should require the government to produce "a clear legal basis for military operations" as in the past.
However, a spokesperson for the National Security Council argued that the White House “has gone through strict procedures, including a legal review of air strikes.”
The spokesperson said that air strikes are "necessary measures to respond to threats and are equivalent to previous attacks" and conform to the right to self-defense under international law.
Psaki also emphasized when facing congressmen criticizing Biden that he should seek the authorization of the congressman to ask relevant questions before ordering an attack: "Complete legal procedures and review have been passed beforehand."