Response to Erbil Attack: Strikes Target Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq

The Pentagon announced that U.S. forces struck, on Monday, sites in Iraq used by Iran-backed factions. Iraqi security sources indicated that one person was killed and six from the factions and ten from Iraqi security were injured due to the U.S. strikes. In a statement on Tuesday, the Pentagon stated that the strikes were in response to a series of attacks against American personnel in Iraq and Syria by Tehran-backed militias. It also noted that an attack by Iran-supported gunmen on the Erbil airbase yesterday resulted in three soldiers being injured, one of whom is in critical condition. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirmed that the goal of these strikes was to disrupt the capabilities of those militias allied with Iran. He emphasized that the United States does not seek to escalate the conflict in the region but will not hesitate to take necessary measures to protect its interests. The U.S. strikes targeted armed faction sites in Babil and Wasit provinces in southern Iraq, amid reports of casualties. These strikes came after a drone attack targeted the Kharir base, which hosts U.S. forces and the international coalition near Erbil airport, resulting in injuries, according to Iraqi authorities. Additionally, the U.S. embassy in Baghdad was attacked on December 8 with several rockets, which did not result in casualties, but it was the first attack on the embassy since the onset of hostilities, and no group claimed responsibility for this attack. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government announced the arrest of several individuals involved, stating that some "are linked to certain security agencies." Most of the remaining attacks have been claimed by the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq."