TYPICAL SEMI-PERMANENT US BASE IN IRAQ, ILLUSTRATIVE PHOTO BY BREAKINGDEFENSE
The US Army launched strikes against Kataib Hezbollah targets in response to attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria.
Source : US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, quoted by the Pentagon website
Direct speech : “Today (December 26 – ed.), at the direction of President Biden, U.S. forces conducted necessary and proportionate strikes against three facilities used by Kata'ib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq.”
Details : Austin said the strikes were in response to “a series of attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria” by Iran-backed militants.
In particular, we are talking about an attack on the American air base in Erbil.
According to the Pentagon chief, such American retaliatory strikes “are intended to undermine and weaken the capabilities of the Iran-linked militants who are directly responsible for these attacks.”
Austin's direct speech : “Today's attack (on the American airbase in Erbil – ed.) resulted in the injury of three American military personnel, one of whom is in critical condition.”
“…The President (Joe Biden – ed.) and I will not hesitate to take the necessary actions to protect the United States, our troops and our interests. There is no higher priority.
While we do not seek to escalate the conflict in the region, we are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities.”
