In a volatile turn of events in the Middle East, tensions have escalated following airstrikes by the United States against an Iranian-backed militant group in Iraq. The airstrikes were ordered by President Joe Biden in response to a drone attack carried out by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy in Iraq, which injured three U.S. service members, one critically.
According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes targeted three facilities used by Qatayb Hezbollah for drone operations. Preliminary assessments indicate that there were no civilian casualties, but it is likely that several militants were killed in the operation.
