In a recent development, the Pentagon has launched strikes against Kataib Hezbollah (KH) headquarters, storage facilities, and training locations, specifically targeting their rocket, missile, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities. The statement from U.S. Central Command, responsible for overseeing U.S. forces in the region, confirmed the strikes. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized that additional strikes cannot be ruled out if necessary, while asserting that the aim is not to escalate conflict but to protect American personnel and facilities.
This comes after the base faced a barrage of ballistic missile attacks on Saturday, originating from within Iraq. Although most of the missiles were intercepted, four U.S. personnel suffered traumatic brain injuries due to the ones that landed on the base. Notably, this incident adds to the alarming count of over 150 attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria since the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7. While 83 Americans were injured during these attacks, the majority have returned to their duties, according to a U.S. defense official.
In another significant event, the U.S. military recently targeted an anti-ship missile in a region of Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebels. The strike was deemed necessary as the missile posed an imminent threat to maritime vessels.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing the escalating tensions, called on all parties involved to consider the devastating human cost of a regional conflict and urged them to step back from the brink. He emphasized that the primary goal is to ensure the safety of international shipping in the Red Sea.
U.S. defense officials have reported that the strikes against Houthi targets have significantly reduced their maritime attack capabilities, resulting in a decline in both the number and severity of their attacks. However, they caution that the Houthis still possess some capability. These attacks, allegedly in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, have targeted international shipping lanes, not exclusively those associated with Israel.
The Pentagon has carried out airstrikes targeting Kataib Hezbollah (KH) headquarters, storage, and training locations in Iraq and Syria. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has warned that additional strikes are possible if necessary. The base was previously attacked by ballistic missiles, causing injuries to U.S. personnel. There have been over 150 attacks on U.S. forces in the region since a Hamas terror attack in October. The U.S. military also conducted a strike in Yemen against an anti-ship missile threat. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for all parties to avoid escalating the conflict. The reduction in Houthi maritime attacks is attributed to the decline in their capabilities.
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