US air forces struck a three separate camps–two in Syria and one in Iraq–that were being used as arms depots and launch points for unmanned aerial vehicles that were attacking US troops and positions in the region, the Associated Press reports.
The attacks were “defensive” in nature, according to Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby, who stated the US had evidence the militia groups were being used to launch and control an “ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq.”
This is the second such series of attacks US forces have undertaken in the region since President Joe Biden took office. In February, Biden ordered attacks on camps in Syria run that were also run by Iranian-supported groups.
On Sunday, Kirby said Biden “has been clear that he will act to protect U.S. personnel. Given the ongoing series of attacks by Iran-backed groups targeting U.S. interests in Iraq, the President directed further military action to disrupt and deter such attacks.”