Retaliatory Strikes: US Targets Iran-Backed Militants in Iraq and Syria

A U.S. AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft conducted a self-defense strike against an Iran-backed militant group after the group launched a ballistic missile attack on Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, resulting in non-serious injuries and minor infrastructure damage. The AC-130 gunship was already in the air and able to respond quickly, targeting a militia vehicle and personnel involved in the attack. This marks the first time a ballistic missile of this kind has been used in such an attack. Since October, U.S. forces have been attacked 66 times, and this unplanned strike is seen as an appropriate response to deter further aggression.