Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad has expressed concern over the recent U.S. attacks, stating that they will significantly escalate tensions in the region. Syrian state TV quoted the Syrian defense ministry, which alleged that the U.S. had targeted Syrian government forces fighting against the Islamic State terrorist group, suggesting that the U.S. is aiding the terrorists in regrouping.
However, according to Rahman, the militiamen had been forewarned about the strikes and had taken shelter in underground tunnels for the most part. Iraqi state TV reported that government spokesperson Bassem al Awadi denied U.S. claims of consultation with the Iraqi government before the strikes, accusing the U.S. of attempting to manipulate world opinion. Al Awadi added that the U.S. attacks have pushed Iraq to the brink of a crisis.
The Iraqi parliament has hastily convened a session to address the consequences of the U.S. strikes and the presence of foreign forces on Iraqi soil. The Iraqi foreign ministry has declared its intention to summon U.S. Charge A’affaires David Baker to express its dismay.
Meanwhile, Russia, which supports both Syria and Iran, has accused the U.S. of creating chaos and causing destruction in the Middle East.
In Cairo, high-ranking political leaders of the Palestinian Hamas group, which controls Gaza, have been in discussions with Egyptian intelligence chief Gen. Abbas Kamel. The purpose of these talks is to negotiate a prisoner exchange and a cease-fire with Israel, with the aim of ending the ongoing conflict that has lasted nearly four months. While the Egyptian government sources have remained tight-lipped about the discussions, reports in Arab media suggest that Israel has agreed to a six-month cease-fire, and Hamas is prepared to exchange over a hundred Israeli captives for approximately 300 Palestinian prisoners. However, these reports have not been independently verified by VOA.
Syria, Iraq, and Russia have criticized the recent US airstrikes, claiming they will increase tensions in the region. The Syrian defense ministry alleges that the US is trying to help terrorists regroup. Iraq denies being consulted before the strikes and accuses the US of misleading world opinion. The Iraqi parliament has convened to discuss the repercussions of the strikes. Russia accuses the US of sowing chaos and destruction in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Hamas leaders are in talks with Egyptian intelligence to discuss a prisoner exchange and ceasefire with Israel. The details of the talks have not been confirmed independently.
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