US defensive strikes across Iraq

In an “immediate release” statement on the Defense Department’s website March 12, it was announced that earlier this evening, the United States conducted defensive precision strikes against Kata’ib Hizbollah (KH) facilities across Iraq. These strikes targeted five weapon storage facilities to significantly degrade their ability to conduct future attacks against Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) coalition forces. The storage facilities housed weapons used to target U.S. and coalition troops. These strikes were defensive, proportional, and in direct response to the threat posed by Iranian-backed Shia militia groups (SMG) who continue to attack bases hosting OIR coalition forces. Yesterday’s attack on Camp Taji killed two U.S. and one U.K. service members and wounded 14 others. It marked the latest in a series of rocket attacks conducted by Iranian-backed SMGs against U.S. and coalition personnel. “The United States will not tolerate attacks against our people, our interests, or our allies,” Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper said. Additional information will be provided at a briefing by Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., Commander, U.S. Central Command, at 7:30 a.m. (CT) at the Pentagon. (Source: DoD 03/12/20) https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2110827/statement-by-the-department-of-defense/