Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin released a statement on Christmas night announcing that there had been U.S. retaliatory strikes against the terrorist group Kataib Hezbollah that same day.
“Today, at the direction of President Biden, U.S. forces conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq,” Austin said in the statement. “These precision strikes are in response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militias, including an attack by the Iran-linked Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups today on Erbil Air Base, and with “The aim is to disrupt and weaken the capabilities of the Iran-aligned militia groups that are directly responsible.”
Three American military personnel were injured in the Christmas Day attack by Kataib Hezbollah terrorists in Iraq, including a US soldier who was critically injured.
Austin continued in his statement: “Today’s attack resulted in three U.S. soldiers being injured, with one soldier in critical condition. My prayers are with the brave Americans who were injured.”
The defense secretary added: “And let me be clear: The President and I will not hesitate to take the actions necessary to defend the United States, our troops and our interests.” There is no higher priority. While we do not seek to escalate the conflict in the region, we remain committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and facilities.”
CENTCOM Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla said in a statement that the airstrikes were intended to “hold regional actors accountable.”
Fox News Digital's Andrea Vacchiano contributed to this report.
Posted by Timothy HJ Nerozzi