In a swift response to a recent attack on Erbil Air Base in Iraq, the United States military carried out multiple airstrikes on facilities utilized by the Iraqi paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah and its affiliates. The airstrikes were authorized by President Joe Biden and conducted by U.S. forces, according to statements released by the Department of Defense.

The attack on Erbil Air Base occurred earlier on December 25th and resulted in injuries to three U.S. personnel, with one service member left in critical condition, as stated by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. These strikes were conducted to hold the responsible elements accountable for their actions and degrade their ability to carry out further attacks on coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, as stated by General Michael Erik Kurilla, U.S. Central Command Commander.

President Biden was immediately briefed on the attack and ordered the Department of Defense to prepare response options against those responsible, according to National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. The airstrikes targeted three locations used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups, with a specific focus on unmanned aerial drone activities, according to a statement.

In his statement, Secretary Austin emphasized that the safety and security of U.S. personnel and interests are of the utmost importance and that necessary action will be taken to defend them. He also made it clear that while the aim is not to escalate conflict in the region, further measures will be taken if needed to protect American forces and facilities.

The airstrikes serve as a strong message to those responsible for the attack on Erbil Air Base and underline the willingness of the United States to take swift action when its personnel and interests are threatened. The President's commitment to the protection of American personnel serving in harm's way remains a top priority, and the United States will not hesitate to respond should these attacks persist, as stated in the statement issued by Adrienne Watson.

The United States' response to the attack on Erbil Air Base demonstrates its determination to hold accountable those responsible for endangering the lives of U.S. personnel. These airstrikes aimed to degrade the capabilities of Kataib Hezbollah and its affiliates and send a clear message that the United States will always protect its forces in the region.