US launches airstrikes on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria, say officials – live

Officials say response targeting militants in Iraq and Syria

The US launched an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias, in an opening salvo of retaliation for the drone strike that killed three US service members in Jordan last weekend, officials have told Associated Press.

The initial strikes by manned and unmanned aircraft were hitting command and control headquarters, ammunition storage and other facilities, according to AP.

I don’t think we need a wider war in the Middle East. That’s not what I’m looking for.