President Biden takes action in response to attack on U.S. service members
Early Christmas morning, three U.S. service members were wounded, one critically, in an attack on Erbil Air Base in Iraq, attributed to a militia group backed by Iran. In response, President Biden ordered strikes on three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, which the U.S. has linked to Iran.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated that the strikes were directed against locations focused specifically on unmanned aerial drone activities, following the militia’s claim of responsibility for the initial attack.
President Biden was immediately briefed on the attack and subsequently ordered the Department of Defense to prepare response options. These options were presented to the President during a call with Secretary of Defense Austin and members of his national security team.
#Breaking: After a drone injures 3 U.S. troops, President Joe Biden ordered strikes on Iranian-aligned groups. The Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, under an umbrella of Iranian-backed militants, claimed credit for the attack. https://t.co/Uc7YClALrx
— Scripps News (@scrippsnews) December 26, 2023
In a statement, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called the strikes “necessary and proportionate,” emphasizing that they were intended to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of the Iran-aligned militia groups directly responsible. Austin reiterated the President’s commitment to defending U.S. troops and interests, stating, “There is no higher priority.”
While the U.S. does not seek to escalate the conflict in the region, both President Biden and Secretary Austin have emphasized the country’s preparedness to take further necessary measures to protect American personnel and facilities.
The Biden administration’s actions come amidst heightened tensions in the region, with ongoing conflict in Gaza and increased military actions by militia groups backed by Iran.
-
In a surprise speech delivered from the White House, President Joe Biden addressed the recent special counsel’s report and...
-
Is Texas Taking the Right Step Towards a Better America? The Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot, Texas’s pioneering tax-payer-funded basic...
-
Candidates Clash on Trump, Economic Policies, and Hot-button Topics in California Senate Race Four candidates vying for a U.S....
-
Newly Released Footage Reveals Arrest at Miami Airport Newly released body camera footage reveals the arrest of 73-year-old Donna...
-
President Biden’s re-election strategy balances White House proximity with campaign focus in a unique approach to the upcoming election....
-
Jackson Pierce Arrested for Second-Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence in St. Peters Homicide Case The St. Peters Police...
-
The Trump campaign is optimistic about winning the Iowa caucuses, anticipating a significant margin as a litmus test. A...
-
Neal Brij Sidhwaney Faces Potential Prison Sentence for Voiced Threats Against Unnamed Supreme Court Justice. Neal Brij Sidhwaney, a...
-
Silver Sedan Hits Secret Service Vehicle in Wilmington Incident; President and First Lady Safely Evacuated. President Joe Biden and...
-
Concerns Rise as Inner Circle Signals Retribution Against Opponents and Media Recent statements from key allies within Donald Trump’s...
-
President Biden’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service takes crucial steps to protect wolverines in the face of climate change,...
-
President Biden invokes the Defense Production Act to strengthen American supply chains. In a strategic move to fortify American...