"US Launches Retaliatory Airstrikes on Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq"
The US military conducted retaliatory strikes on Iran-backed targets in Iraq, targeting facilities used by the Kataib Hezbollah militia group in response to a series of Iranian-backed attacks against US and coalition personnel in the region. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that the precision strikes were necessary and proportionate, emphasizing that the US does not seek to escalate conflict but is fully prepared to take further measures to protect its people and facilities.