President Joe Biden authorized strikes on three locations in Iraq in response to an attack on Erbil Air Base on Christmas morning, resulting in three U.S. service members being wounded, one critically. The attack has been attributed to a militia group supported by Iran, Kataib Hezbollah, and affiliated groups.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, in a statement on Monday, revealed that Biden directed the strikes against three facilities linked to Kataib Hezbollah and its associates, all connected to Iran. The initial attack on U.S. personnel was executed using a one-way attack drone, prompting Biden’s decision to target locations specifically associated with unmanned aerial drone activities.
Upon learning of the attack on U.S. service members, President Biden was promptly briefed and directed the Department of Defense to prepare response options. These options were presented to the President during a call with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and members of the national security team.
The statement emphasized that Biden prioritizes the protection of American personnel in harm’s way, stating, “The United States will act at a time and in a manner of our choosing should these attacks continue.”
The recent strikes occur amid ongoing tensions in the region, exacerbated by the Israeli war in Gaza. The Biden administration has expressed support for Israel in the conflict, while Iran-backed militia groups in the region have escalated military actions in response to the Gaza bombardment.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin deemed the strikes “necessary and proportionate,” emphasizing their intent to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of Iran-aligned militia groups directly responsible for the Erbil attack. Austin echoed Biden’s warning, stating that the U.S. is prepared to take further action to defend American interests.
While emphasizing a commitment to avoiding an escalation of conflict in the region, Austin asserted, “We are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities.”
