US begins strikes on militias in Iraq, Syria, retaliating for fatal drone attack, officials tell AP

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military launched an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias Friday, in the opening salvo of retaliation for the drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend, officials told The Associated Press. President Joe Biden and other top U.S. leaders have been warning for days that the U.S. would strike back at the militias, and they made it clear that it wouldn't be just one hit, but would be a "tiered response" over time. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military operations…