(UnitedVoice.com) – Iranian-backed militia groups have repeatedly attacked American troops and bases over the last few months. They began after the Israeli war against Hamas broke out following a deadly terrorist attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis. The US has now carried out retaliatory strikes.
On Christmas Day, a rebel group carried out a drone attack on the Erbil Air Base in Iraq and wounded three US troops, one of them critically. The strike came three days after a rocket hit the US Embassy in Baghdad. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin briefed President Joe Biden on the attack, and he ordered retaliatory strikes on three locations. The targets were places that Kataib Hezbollah and other militants are known to use.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) told the press that they “likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants.”
Since the war in Israel began on October 7, militant groups have carried out at least 92 attacks on US bases in Syria and Iraq. The groups claim they are retaliating against the US for its support of Israel in the conflict, and America’s continued presence in Syria and Iraq.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, who was brought to power by Iran-backed groups, condemned the US strikes as a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. He ordered authorities to pursue the militants who were involved in the attacks on US troops.
The Associated Press reported US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told the prime minister that he expects Iraq to take more action to prevent the attacks, and said he believes the country is capable of doing so. CIA Director William Burns has also warned Al Sudani of “harsh consequences” if Iraq doesn’t take action to stop the attacks.
The White House issued a statement saying Biden “places no higher priority than the protection of American personnel serving in harm’s way.”
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