In a series of military strikes, the US targeted Iran-backed militias in western Iraq on Tuesday. The strikes were in response to a spate of attacks on merchant and Navy ships in the region, as well as a major base in Iraq. The precision strikes hit headquarters, training locations, and storage areas for rockets, missiles, and drones belonging to the Kataib Hezbollah militia and other Iran-affiliated groups.

The US unleashed airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq yesterday after a weekend rebel assault on an Iraqi air base that injured multiple American troops - There were supposedly three precision strikes in direct response by the US - Need to intensify attacks on rebels!

— charles benjamin (@chaleeboh3131) January 24, 2024

Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that these strikes are a direct response to a series of escalatory attacks against US and coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria. The American strikes come after at least nine attacks in two weeks, with the latest being the most serious and resulting in at least four US service members being treated for traumatic brain injuries. All have since returned to duty, according to the Pentagon.