"US Retaliates with Airstrikes on Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq"

US forces retaliate with airstrikes on three sites used by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq after a weekend attack wounded American personnel, targeting Kataib Hezbollah in response to a series of escalatory attacks against US and coalition personnel in Iraq and Syria. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the US's readiness to defend its personnel and facilities, calling on the militias and their Iranian sponsors to cease the attacks. The retaliatory strikes come amid ongoing tensions as the militias seek to drive US personnel out of Iraq and Syria, with at least 151 attacks targeting US positions since October.