Hours after U.S. military launched an air strike on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria, Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, engaged in a telephone conversation with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dr. Fuad Hussein. Expressing Oman’s solidarity with Iraq, during the call the Omani Foreign Minister emphasized on Iraq’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, particularly in wake of the recent development in the region.
During the telephonic exchange, Sayyid Badr reaffirmed the Sultanate of Oman’s unwavering support for Iraq. He emphasized the importance of upholding Iraq’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, particularly in the face of recent developments involving American military strikes on Iraqi territory.
According to the Omani News Website, the two foreign ministers during the talks also shared concerns about the escalating tensions in the region and underscored the utmost significance of preventing any further expansion of conflicts. They emphasized the need for regional stability and peace.
Reportedly, Sayyid Badr and Dr. Fuad Hussein also highlighted the pressing priority of ending the ongoing Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip. They called for the continuation of international efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire.
US strikes at militias in Iraq and Syria
It is pertinent to note that the call between the two leaders came at the critical juncture as the U.S. military launched an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Friday.
Detailing about the strikes, US President Joe Biden said, “Today, at my direction, U.S. military forces struck targets in Iraq and Syria that the IRGC and affiliated militia use to attack U.S. forces. We do not seek conflict in the Middle East or anywhere else in the world. But to all those who seek to do us harm: We will respond.”
The U.S. military revealed that the targets included command and control centers, rockets, missiles, drone storage facilities, as well as logistics and munition supply chain facilities. The strikes covered seven locations, with four in Syria and three in Iraq. The Quds Force, the foreign espionage and paramilitary arm of the IRGC, was a primary focus due to its influence across the Middle East.
U.S. Lieutenant General Douglas Sims, the director of the Joint Staff, reported apparent success in the attacks, triggering significant secondary explosions indicating hits on militant weaponry.
Sims acknowledged that casualties were expected, emphasizing that the strikes were carried out with that awareness.
