Biden orders airstrikes in response to militant attack on US troops in Iraq

In response to a drone attack that injured three US service members in northern Iraq, President Joe Biden has ordered retaliatory airstrikes against Iranian-backed militia groups. The attack, claimed by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, targeted American troops at an air base in Erbil. One US soldier suffered critical injuries in the assault.

President Biden, who was at the Camp David retreat during the incident, was promptly briefed by White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. An emergency meeting ensued, leading to the decision to strike three locations associated with Kataib Hezbollah. The strikes carried out less than 13 hours after the initial attack, reportedly destroyed targeted facilities and likely resulted in casualties among the militia members.

The President's response underscores the priority of safeguarding American personnel in harm's way, according to National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson. She stated, "The United States will act at a time and in a manner of our choosing should these attacks continue."

The recent escalation follows months of heightened tensions between the US and Iranian-backed militant groups in the region. The back-and-forth strikes intensified after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, leading to a devastating war in Gaza. Iranian-backed militias, under the umbrella group called the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and Syria, have targeted US facilities since October 17, with dozens of attacks reported.

Criticism has been directed at the Biden administration's measured response to previous attacks, with some Republicans calling for stronger action. The administration aims to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating into a broader regional confrontation. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the commitment to protecting American personnel and facilities, stating, "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."

The situation adds to the complexity of the region, where the US is actively involved in training Iraqi forces and countering remnants of the Islamic State group. As tensions persist, the Biden administration remains vigilant, addressing threats to US interests in the Middle East.

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