US Airstrikes in Iraq Aimed at Deterring Iranian Attacks, Biden Says

The U.S. military conducted a series of airstrikes in Iraq on Monday to deter Iran and Iranian-backed militant groups from attacking American forces, President Joe Biden said on Wednesday, according to Voice of America.

“The strikes were aimed at preventing a series of attacks against the U.S. and our partners, as well as deterring Iran and Iranian-backed militant groups from conducting or supporting further attacks on U.S. personnel and facilities,” Biden stated in a written message to Congress on Wednesday. “The United States is prepared to undertake further necessary and appropriate actions to respond to any threats or attacks.”

Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and Syria oppose Israel's campaign in Gaza and accuse the U.S. of supporting Israel.

The Pentagon reported that the airstrikes in Iraq resulted in the deaths of “several fighters from Kata'ib Hezbollah” and the destruction of facilities used by the group.

Washington also indicated that Iran is “deeply involved” in planning actions against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

Iran denies any involvement in the Houthi attacks, which control much of Yemen, including the capital. Since October, they have targeted commercial vessels they claim have ties to Israel as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel's operation, which began on October 7 following an attack on Israel by Hamas, has reportedly resulted in over 21,000 fatalities in the enclave, according to the Gaza health ministry controlled by Hamas.