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In a defensive move, the United States announced on Tuesday that it had targeted three locations in Iraq utilized by Iranian-backed militia groups. These strikes were a response to the repeated attacks on American forces in the Middle East.

President Biden ordered the operations against facilities used by militant groups, including Kataib Hezbollah, although the specific locations of these strikes within Iraq were not disclosed.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin described the actions as “precision strikes,” stating they were a direct counter to escalating assaults on U.S. and coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria by militias supported by Iran. Austin emphasized that while the U.S. aims to avoid escalating the conflict in the region, it remains ready to take additional steps to safeguard its personnel and facilities. He added, “The president and I will not hesitate to take necessary action to defend them and our interests.”

These developments come in the context of over 150 attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed groups since October 17, coinciding with the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Additionally, Houthi rebels in Yemen have targeted U.S. naval vessels and merchant ships more than 30 times in the Red Sea since late November. The ongoing conflict in Iraq has led to discussions about the potential withdrawal of the approximately 2,500 U.S. troops still stationed there, initially invited to combat the Islamist extremist group ISIS.

Iraq has expressed strong opposition to these strikes, viewing them as infringements on its sovereignty.