The Iraqi government strongly criticized the U.S. for conducting airstrikes against Iranian-backed militants within the country, describing it as a blatant hostile act. This condemnation followed a drone strike that injured three U.S. personnel, prompting precision strikes on three facilities utilized by Iranian-backed militia groups in Iraq. The U.S. actions came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following attacks by Hamas on Israel in October.
Bases hosting U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, part of a coalition aimed at dismantling ISIS, have been recurrently targeted by groups the U.S. identifies as Tehran-backed militants. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin justified the U.S. strikes as “necessary and proportionate” against facilities associated with Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups. The strikes were conducted at approximately 8:45 p.m. ET on Monday after militants attacked the Harir Air Base near Erbil Airport, resulting in critical injuries to one U.S. service member and injuries to two others.
The Iraqi government condemned the U.S. strikes, asserting that they undermine bilateral relations, contravene mutual interests in establishing security, and violate Iraqi sovereignty. More than 18 people, including civilians, were reported injured. The U.S. has accused Iran of supporting groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, linking them to regional instability.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, stated that the strikes aimed to hold accountable those directly responsible for attacks on coalition forces. CENTCOM reported that the airstrikes likely destroyed targeted facilities and resulted in casualties among Kataib Hezbollah militants, with no indications of civilian casualties.
These airstrikes add to previous U.S. actions against militants in Iraq and Syria, including an attack on a Kataib Hezbollah operations center south of Baghdad last month. In response, Kataib Hezbollah suggested deliberating on “expanding the scope of targets” if the U.S. persisted with airstrikes, according to The Associated Press. The situation reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, where various factions vie for influence and control.