The US military, under the direction of President Joe Biden, carried out airstrikes against what it said were “facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups” near the border between Iraq and Syria, drawing condemnation from Iraq''s military and calls for revenge by the militias.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the militias were using the facilities to launch unmanned aerial vehicle attacks against US troops in Iraq. It was the second time the Biden administration has taken military action in the region since he took over earlier this year.
Kirby said the US military targeted three operational and weapons storage facilities Sunday night — two in Syria and one in Iraq.
He described the airstrikes as “defensive,” saying they were launched in response to the attacks by militias.
“The United States took necessary, appropriate, and deliberate action designed to limit the risk of escalation — but also to send a clear and unambiguous deterrent message,” Kirby said.
The Pentagon said the facilities were used by Iran-backed militia factions, including Kata'ib Hezbollah and Kata''ib Sayyid al-Shuhada.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking to reporters in Rome on Monday, said Biden has been clear that the US will act to protect American personnel.