THE United States launched new airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq to avenge the ballistic missile attack fired this past weekend that left four US personnel with traumatic brain injuries.
The ongoing tensions in the middle seemed to be far from over.
United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Tuesday confirmed that American troops targeted three facilities used by the Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia group and other Iran-linked groups in Iraq.
The latest round of airstrikes were in retaliation for ballistic missiles fired on Sunday against Al-Assad Airbase.
American officials claimed the attack which involved about 17 ballistic missiles and rockets left four US personnel with traumatic brain injuries.
About 2,500 American troops are stationed in Iraq and 900 in Syria.
US bases in Iraq and Syria have been targeted by more than 150 rocket and drone attacks since mid-October.
Iranian-backed militias carried out the attacks in support of Palestinians in Gaza and to oppose Washington’s support for Israel.
In December, a US-led multinational force known as Prosperity Guardian was established to combat Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
The rebel groups have been targeting ships that are either linked or bound for Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
