Israel-Hamas war: Three U.S. military personnel injured in attack by Kataib Hezbollah
Three American military personnel were injured during an attack by Kataib Hezbollah terrorists in Iraq on Christmas Day, including one U.S. servicemember who was critically wounded.
The announcement was made in a statement by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III. The official explained that the U.S. military quickly retaliated against the fighters after the attack.
“Today, at President Biden’s direction, U.S. military forces conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq,” Austin explained. “These precision strikes are a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias, including an attack by Iran-affiliated Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Erbil Air Base earlier today, and intended to disrupt and degrade capabilities of the Iran-aligned militia groups directly responsible.”
“Today’s attack led to three injuries to U.S. personnel, leaving one service member in critical condition,” the statement added. “My prayers are with the brave Americans who were injured.”
Austin said that he and President Biden “will not hesitate” to take action to protect American troops in the future.
“There is no higher priority,” Austin continued. “While we do not seek to escalate conflict in the region, we are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities.”
American forces launch strikes at Kataib Hezbollah targets in Iraq
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces conducted airstrikes against Kataib Hezbollah facilities in Iraq on Christmas Day.
The airstrikes were in retaliation against attacks by Kataib Hezbollah terrorists earlier on Monday.
“Earlier in the day, Iranian sponsored Kataib Hezbollah terrorists and affiliated groups attacked coalition forces at Erbil, Iraq resulting in several injuries,” a press release from CENTCOM read. “Early assessments indicate that these U.S. airstrikes destroyed the targeted facilities and likely killed a number of Kataib Hezbollah militants.”
“There are no indications that any civilian lives were affected,” the statement added. “The U.S. military will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of these strikes.”
CENTCOM General Michael Erik Kurilla said in a statement that the airstrikes are intended to hold regional actors “accountable.”
“These strikes are intended to hold accountable those elements directly responsible for attacks on coalition forces in Iraq and Syria and degrade their ability to continue attacks,” Kurilla said. “We will always protect our forces.”