Biden Orders Retaliatory Strikes Against Iranian-Backed Militia Groups Following Drone Attack on U.S. Military Base in Iraq

The United States has accused Iran of being “deeply involved” in a drone attack on a military base in Iraq that left three U.S. service members wounded. The attack occurred early Monday morning in Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq and was conducted by Kataib Hezbollah militants.

In response, President Joe Biden ordered retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed militia groups on Monday, Dec. 25. National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said one of the U.S. troops suffered critical injuries in the attack.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the President was briefed and held a call with Austin and his national security team before ordering the strikes on “three locations utilized by the Iranian-backed militant group Kataib Hezbollah.”

The Pentagon has not yet released details about the retaliatory strikes, but the White House has said that the President is committed to protecting U.S. personnel and interests in the region. The U.S. has long accused Iran of supporting militant groups in the Middle East and has imposed sanctions on the country in response.