President Joe Biden directed the U.S. military to conduct retaliatory strikes against Iranian-backed militia groups in response to a drone attack in northern Iraq that injured three U.S. servicemembers. The attack, claimed by the Iranian-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, utilized a one-way attack drone. One U.S. troop suffered critical injuries.
Biden, alerted about the incident at Camp David, ordered the Pentagon to prepare response options. After consulting with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and briefing Biden on response options, the President authorized strikes on three locations used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups. The strikes occurred less than 13 hours after the initial attack.
National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson emphasized the priority of protecting American personnel and stated that the U.S. would act if such attacks persisted. The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the U.S. administration’s efforts to prevent broader conflict amid escalating threats against American forces.