In response to numerous attacks on American and allied forces in the region since the October 7 outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Washington has frequently conducted strikes on sites utilized by Iran and its proxy forces in Iraq and Syria.
“US military forces conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by Kataeb Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq,” Austin said in a statement.
“These precision strikes are a response to a series of attacks against US personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias, including an attack by Iran-affiliated Kataeb Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Arbil Air Base earlier today,” he said.
That attack — one of more than 100 since mid-October — wounded three US military personnel, one critically, US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.
US President Joe Biden stated, "Protecting American personnel serving in harm's way is our top priority. The United States will respond at a time and in a manner of our choosing if these attacks continue," according to the statement.
The increased attacks on US troops are connected to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, initiated by a surprise cross-border attack by the Palestinian militant group from Gaza on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,140 casualties, mostly civilians, as per an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
In response to the attack, the United States promptly provided military aid to Israel, which has conducted an intensive campaign in Gaza, causing at least 20,670 deaths, primarily civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
These casualties have stirred widespread anger in the Middle East, motivating forces opposing the presence of American troops in the region to launch attacks.
Approximately 2,500 American troops are stationed in Iraq, with an additional 900 in Syria, as part of efforts to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State group. The militants had previously held territory in both countries but were pushed back by local ground forces supported by international air strikes in a prolonged conflict.
