TL/DR –
The US military, under orders from President Joe Biden, carried out airstrikes on three facilities used by Iraq-based Kataib Hezbollah and “affiliated groups”. This response comes after an attack from the group, which left three US troops injured and one in critical condition. The US Central Command confirmed the strikes, which likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin deemed them “necessary and proportionate”.
US Military Conducts Airstrikes on Kataib Hezbollah Facilities in Iraq
The US military responded to an attack that critically injured a US soldier by executing airstrikes on three facilities of the Iraq-based Kataib Hezbollah group, the White House announced.
According to a statement from US Central Command, the strikes ordered by President Joe Biden likely killed several Kataib Hezbollah militants.
Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group, claimed responsibility for an earlier drone attack on US forces at Erbil Air Base. The US responded with targeted airstrikes on locations associated with the group’s drone activities.
The strikes took place at 8:45 p.m. ET, CENTCOM reports. No civilian casualties were reported in the aftermath.
As stated on the US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) website, Kataib Hezbollah poses a significant threat to US personnel in Iraq and Syria. The group’s aim is to oust US and coalition forces from Iraq and establish an Iranian-aligned government.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin briefed President Biden on strategic options, resulting in the order for the airstrikes. Austin later described the retaliatory measure as “necessary and proportionate.”
The airstrikes served as a response to the Erbil attack and other assaults on US forces in Iraq and Syria.
Story and headline updated with additional information.
—
Read More US Political News