The US military carried out strikes on three sites used by Iran-backed forces in Iraq on Monday after an attack wounded American personnel on Arbil Air Base earlier in the day, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has said, adding that President Joe Biden would not hesitate to take the required action to defend the country's troops and interests. "US military forces conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by Kataeb Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq," Austin said in a statement.
He posted On X, "Today, at @POTUS’ direction, U.S. military forces conducted necessary & proportionate strikes on 3 facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah & affiliated groups in Iraq. These precision strikes are a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq & Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias, including an attack by Iran-affiliated Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Erbil Air Base earlier today."
Three US personnel have been wounded while one was in critical condition in the attack, he said.
"And let me be clear – the President and I will not hesitate to take necessary action to defend the United States, our troops, and our interests. There is no higher priority. While we do not seek to escalate conflict in the region, we are committed and fully prepared to take further necessary measures to protect our people and our facilities," he added in his statement.