The United States has conducted airstrikes in Iraq, targeting three facilities used by the Kataib Hezbollah and groups. This attack comes in response to an attack on Erbil Air Base that injured three U.S. troops, with one in critical condition.
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A strong reaction from the Iraqi government, condemning the U.S. strikes as hostile acts. Kataib Hezbollah, identified as a Shia militant group, is known to threat to U.S. personnel in both Iraq and Syria, according to the U.S. Director of National Intelligence.
The group aims to expel U.S. and coalition forces from Iraq and establish an Iranian-aligned government. The drone attack on Erbil Air Base was claimed by Kataib Hezbollah, using a one-way attack drone, leading to injuries among U.S. troops.
President Joe Biden authorized the airstrikes on Kataib Hezbollah facilities, with the U.S. Central Command stating that early assessments show the strikes “likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants.”
The airstrikes focused on locations associated with aerial drone activities, to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the groups responsible for the attacks against U.S. personnel.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin addressed the airstrikes as necessary and proportionate, showing the commitment to defending U.S. interests and personnel in the region.
The decision to carry out the strikes was made after a briefing with President Biden, where various options were presented.
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The Iraqi government condemned the U.S. airstrikes, describing them as hostile acts that caused casualties, including the death of a member of the Iraqi security forces and injuries to 18 individuals, including civilians.
Baghdad deemed the strikes an unacceptable attack on Iraqi sovereignty that would harm relations. The position of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, is as he condemned both the militia attack on Erbil and the U.S. response.
The Prime Minister, backed by a coalition of Iranian-backed parties, finds himself between U.S. interests and the influence of militias associated with attacks on American bases.
The U.S. has faced a series of attacks on its troops in Iraq and Syria since the outbreak of the Israeli-Palestinian war, with over 100 reported incidents.
The situation is complicated by Iran’s alleged involvement, supporting groups targeting American and allied forces.
The killing of a top Iranian general, Razi Mousavi, in an Israeli strike near Damascus has complicated the region.
While Iran vowed revenge for Mousavi’s death, the Kataib Hezbollah drone attack on Erbil preceded any strikes by Iran.
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U.S. officials have made it clear that the military will continue to retaliate if American forces are targeted. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson addressed that the United States would act at a time and in a manner of its choosing should such attacks persist.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said this sentiment. The Biden administration’s approach has been cautious, seeking to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating into a regional confrontation.
The responses to attacks on U.S. forces have, however, drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly among Republicans who argue for a more assertive stance.
Iran has not commented on the recent strikes. However, the U.S. has previously accused Iran of backing proxy groups that target American forces in the region.
The Biden administration’s approach to the ongoing conflict has faced criticism from some quarters, particularly Republicans who argue for a more robust response to attacks on U.S. forces.
The airstrikes place the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in a position. Al-Sudani, supported by a coalition of Iranian-backed parties, must balance between Iraqi interests, sovereignty concerns, and the presence of U.S. forces in the country.
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