In a swift response to an early Monday morning attack on the Erbil Air Base, President Joe Biden authorized airstrikes in Iraq. The attack, carried out by a one-way attack drone, resulted in the injury of three U.S. service members.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson disclosed that Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, and affiliated groups claimed responsibility for the Christmas Day assault, causing critical injuries to one U.S. troop.
Upon receiving briefings on the situation and injuries, President Biden directed the Department of Defense to prepare retaliation options. Subsequently, he directed strikes at three locations used by Kataib Hezbollah and associates, specifically targeting unmanned aerial drone activities, according to Watson.
Approximately 12 hours after the U.S. personnel were injured, the response unfolded around 4:45 a.m. in Iraq. Iraqi officials reported the death of one militant and injuries to 18 individuals resulting from the strikes.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in a separate statement, emphasized that the strikes aimed at "disrupting and degrading capabilities" of the responsible groups.
U.S. Central Command asserted that the airstrikes likely caused the demise of "a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants." President Biden had previously warned Iran of potential U.S. retaliation if American troops faced attacks during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, Chief of U.S. Central Command, stated that the strikes aimed to hold accountable those directly responsible for attacks on coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, with the overarching goal of degrading their ability to carry out further attacks.
The conflict management efforts extend beyond Iraq, with the Pentagon implementing measures in response to attacks initiated by Hamas in Israel on October 7. A primary concern involves Iran-backed militant groups operating in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, as well as Houthi rebels supported by Iran in Yemen.
Militants in Syria and Iraq have intensified rocket attacks on bases housing U.S. troops, with approximately 80 such attacks recorded since October 7. In response, the Pentagon has conducted airstrikes on sites used for storing and launching rockets. An Air Force AC-130 gunship even engaged militants during an ongoing attack.
Additionally, the Pentagon has formed a coalition in the Red Sea in response to multiple drone attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi rebels. Over the weekend, Houthi rebels targeted ships, including the USS Laboon, a guided-missile destroyer participating in Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Red Sea. The Laboon successfully intercepted four drones.
On Tuesday, the Laboon and F/A-18 Super Hornet warplanes intercepted and destroyed 12 attack drones and three anti-ship cruise missiles in the southern Red Sea, reported Central Command. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or damage to ships.
Since October 17, Houthi militants have executed 15 attacks on commercial shipping, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing regional challenges.
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