US retaliates against Iran-backed groups in Iraq
BBC News and other prominent news outlets worldwide reported on December 26 that America hit back at militias based in Iraq.
Washington said three sites used by Kataib Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups were struck in a retaliation attack after US troops based in Syria and Iraq were targeted on numerous occasions.
Hours before the US counter attack, several military personnel were injured in a drone strike carried out by militants. A militia collective called Islamic Resistance in Iraq, linked to Kataib Hezbollah, claimed responsibility for the assault.
US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said the airstrikes were “necessary and proportionate” and were given the all clear by President Biden.
READ: US urges Assad regime to subdue Iran-backed militias
American forces in the region have long been subject to attacks. It is believed that around 2,500 American soldiers are based in Iraq, present in the country because of what the Iraqi government says is to tackle a resurgence in the country of notorious terrorist group ISIS.
Around 900 US soldiers are based in Syria’s north for the same reasons. In contrast, to the Iraqi government’s welcoming stance to the US, strongman Assad’s government perceives the presence of US troops in Syria to be unlawful.
In November, Washington called on Syria to subdue Iran-backed groups which have been on the rise in the country for a lengthy period.
The US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield claimed that, “The Syrian regime has allowed Iran and terrorist groups including Hezbollah to use its international airports for military purposes,”.
Iraq is an ally to the US. This is despite the deadly, illegal invasion of Iraq which first broke out in 2003. Reports concluded that just over 1 million excess deaths were recorded in the long-lasting turmoil. Iraq is also a an ally of Iran, a notable American foe.
BBC News/ The Independent/ Reuters
