- U.S. military conducted retaliatory strikes on Iranian-backed militias in Iraq following attacks on U.S. forces.
- The attacks targeted facilities used by the Kataib Hezbollah militia and other Iran-affiliated groups.
- The strikes aimed at disabling rocket, missile, and one-way attack UAV capabilities.
Additional Coverage:
The U.S. military has conducted strikes on targets in Iraq in response to attacks by Iranian-backed militias against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. The attacks included a large-scale missile attack on a U.S. base in Iraq on Saturday. Under President Biden’s direction, the strikes targeted facilities used by the Kataib Hezbollah militia group and other Iran-affiliated groups. The strikes specifically targeted rocket, missile, and one-way attack UAV capabilities.
The large-scale attack on U.S. forces on Saturday at Al Asad air base triggered the retaliatory strikes in western Iraq. Multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were used in the attack, causing some structural damage to noncritical facilities. Four service members were evaluated for traumatic brain injuries but have since returned to duty, and one Iraqi soldier was wounded.
Since October 17, there have been at least 151 attacks on U.S. service members in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. military has responded multiple times, initially targeting ammunition warehouses. Recently, the U.S. killed the leader of one of the groups responsible for the attacks in Baghdad. These attacks coincided with the war between Hamas and Israel and the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, adding to regional tensions.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin stated that the President and he will take necessary action to defend U.S. forces and interests, but do not seek to escalate conflict in the region. They call on the groups responsible and their Iranian sponsors to cease these attacks immediately.
These strikes mark the third set of military operations conducted by the Pentagon in just three days in three different countries. This includes strikes against Al Shabab in Somalia on Sunday and strikes against the Houthis in Yemen in collaboration with the U.K. on Monday. Tuesday’s strike targeted Iranian-backed groups in Iraq.