US launches airstrikes targeting pro government forces in Iraq and Syria. However, the United States portrayed it as a precision defensive strikes in Iraq and Syria. The pentagon called it response to a series of attacks targeting bases in Iraq that hosted U.S. service members.
US launches airstrikes
US has targeted Hashd al Shaabi or Popular Mobilization Units that work as pro-government forces in Iraq.
The group comprises of volunteers from all over Iraq but US accuse many among them as pro-Iranians.
However, there is no confirmation of PMUs presence in Syria.
Meanwhile, a Statement came from Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Jonathan Hoffman.
In response to repeated Kata’ib Hizbollah (KH) attacks on Iraqi bases that host Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) coalition forces, U.S. forces have conducted precision defensive strikes against five KH facilities in Iraq and Syria.
US launches airstrikes
He said it will degrade KH’s ability to conduct future attacks against OIR coalition forces.
The five targets include three KH locations in Iraq and two in Syria.
These locations included weapon storage facilities and command and control locations that KH uses to plan and execute attacks on OIR coalition forces.
Assistant to the Secretary of Defense Jonathan Hoffman
Recent KH strikes included a 30-plus rocket attack on an Iraqi base near Kirkuk that resulted in the death of a U.S. citizen and injured four U.S. service members and two members of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF).
He further said that KH has a strong linkage with Iran’s Quds Force. He accused them of repeatedly received lethal aid and other support from Iran that it has used to attack OIR coalition forces.
The OIR coalition is in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government to ensure the lasting defeat of ISIS and provide advice and assistance to the ISF.
The U.S. and its coalition partners fully respect Iraqi sovereignty, and support a strong and independent Iraq. The U.S., however, will not be deterred from exercising its right of self-defense.
It is important to note that KH attacks have also injured multiple members of the ISF. Secretary Esper and Prime Minister Mahdi have shared with each other their commitment to see these KH attacks on ISF and OIR forces cease once and for all.
Iran and their KH proxy forces must cease their attacks on U.S. and coalition forces, and respect Iraq’s sovereignty, to prevent additional defensive actions by U.S. forces.
Iran or these groups rebuff US charges
Moreover, Iran has rejected US charges. It says its help to Iraq and Syria remain official because governments requested Iran help.