In the early hours of Christmas Day, a targeted attack on Erbil Air Base in Iraq left three U.S. service members wounded, with one in critical condition. President Biden swiftly responded with retaliatory strikes on three locations in Iraq, shedding light on the timing and adequacy of the administration's military actions.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson confirmed that the assault on Erbil Air Base was attributed to Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, all with ties to Iran. Utilizing a one-way attack drone, the strike aimed at disrupting unmanned aerial drone activities, according to an official statement.
President Biden, promptly briefed on the morning attack, engaged in discussions with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and critical national security team members. The subsequent decision directed strikes against three facilities associated with the militia groups responsible for the initial assault.
Secretary of Defense Austin justified the strikes as "necessary and proportionate," designed to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of Iran-aligned militia groups directly involved in the attack.
National Security Council spokesperson Watson highlighted, "The Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, under an umbrella of Iranian-backed militants, claimed credit for the attack."
The identities and military branches of the three injured service members remain undisclosed, underscoring the President's commitment to shielding American personnel in harm's way.
A seriously injured U.S. service member from the Erbil Air Base attack has been transferred to Germany and is reported to be in stable condition. The U.S. Central Command suggested that the strikes likely inflicted casualties among Kataib Hezbollah militants. While U.S. officials assert no indications of civilian casualties, the Iraqi government reported 18 injuries, including civilians.
This attack on Erbil Air Base is part of a series targeting U.S. forces in the region over recent months, escalating notably since the October 7 assault on Israel by Hamas.
Adding to the complexities, the Israel Defense Forces carried out widespread strikes in southern Lebanon in response to Hezbollah attacks on Friday. Meanwhile, the U.S. warship USS MASON reportedly shot down a drone and an anti-ship ballistic missile in the Southern Red Sea, attributed to Houthi attacks—marking the 22nd attempted assault on international shipping since October 19. Syria's air defenses responded to alleged "Israeli air aggression" from the direction of Lebanon.
President Biden's call with Israeli PM Netanyahu, described as "frustrating," revolved around the decision to withhold Palestinian tax funds, as reported by Axios.
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| US Air Strikes in Retalition for Christmas Attack US DOD |
Watson emphasized, "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."