In the aftermath of an early-morning assault on Erbil Air Base, U.S. military forces executed a series of precise airstrikes against facilities utilized by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi paramilitary group, and its affiliates on the night of Christmas, as confirmed by statements released by the Department of Defense.
By Lot Sunday
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that these airstrikes, directed by President Joe Biden, were a direct response to recent attacks perpetrated by these groups against coalition forces in the region. The Erbil Air Base attack on December 25 resulted in injuries to three U.S. personnel, with one service member in critical condition, according to the Defense secretary’s statement.
Expressing his concern, Austin remarked, “My prayers are with the brave Americans who were injured. 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.” He emphasized the commitment to safeguarding American personnel and facilities while expressing a reluctance to escalate conflict in the region.
CENTCOM’s early assessments indicate that the targeted facilities were successfully destroyed, with no reported impact on civilians. General Michael Erik Kurilla, U.S. Central Command Commander, underscored the purpose of the strikes, stating, “These strikes are intended to hold accountable those elements directly responsible for attacks on coalition forces in Iraq and Syria and degrade their ability to continue attacks. We will always protect our forces.”
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson conveyed that President Biden was immediately briefed on the morning attack, subsequently directing the Department of Defense to prepare response options. During a later call with Secretary Austin, the President authorized strikes on three locations associated with Kataib Hezbollah, specifically targeting unmanned aerial drone activities.
“The President places no higher priority than the protection of American personnel serving in harm’s way. The United States will act at a time and in a manner of our choosing should these attacks continue,” affirmed Watson’s statement, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to defending its interests.
