Militia drones attack U.S. military bases… 3 US soldiers injured, 1 in critical condition
U.S. Secretary of Defense: “We do not want to escalate regional tensions… take additional measures if necessary.”
Amid a series of attacks targeting US military bases in Iraq and Syria, US President Joe Biden ordered immediate retaliatory airstrikes.
According to the U.S. political media The Hill on the 25th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden ordered three locations in Iraq after a U.S. military base in Erbil, northern Iraq, was attacked by a drone and three U.S. soldiers were injured on Christmas morning. Targeted airstrikes were ordered.
The attack is said to have been carried out by pro-Iranian militias, and one of the three injured U.S. soldiers is in critical condition.
White House National Security Council (NSC) spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement that President Biden had ordered airstrikes on facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah, the pro-Iran militia known to have carried out the attack, and related groups. .
Spokesperson Watson said, “President Biden was briefed on this attack on the morning of the 25th and instructed the Department of Defense to prepare a response strategy,” and “Secretary of Defense (Lloyd) Austin presented the plan to the President through the White House national security team this afternoon.” “It was delivered,” he said.
He added, “The President places a top priority on protecting Americans working in rugged terrain,” and added, “If these attacks continue, the United States will respond in an appropriate manner.”
The attack on the U.S. military base by pro-Iranian militias took place amid concerns that the war could spread between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas. The Joe Biden administration has publicly supported Israel in this war.
Secretary of Defense Austin hinted at the possibility of additional response.
“Let me be clear: the President and I will not hesitate to protect the United States and our troops and facilities,” Austin said in a statement. “We are prepared,” he said.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.