To US retaliatory strikes on key targets in Iraq after
an attack on AUS Air Base there that injured 3
service members.
Jay O'Brien joins us live from the White House with
the latest.
Good morning to you, Jay.
Eva, good morning. The White House says President Biden personally
authorized these strikes on Christmas night,
destroying 3 facilities linked to the group Khatib Hezbollah,
the Hezbollah Brigades and Iran backed paramilitary group in Iraq.
It comes in response to a series of attacks from
that group on Americans in the region,
including one just hours before on Christmas when a self
detonating drone struck AUS base in northern Iraq,
injuring 3 service members including leaving 1:00.
Critical condition. The White House says President Biden was immediately
briefed on that attack and ordered these strikes in response,
which specifically targeted areas used by the groups for drone
operations.
There were no reports of civilians impacted,
according to U.S. central Command.
The Pentagon says that since the beginning of the Israel
Hamas war,
there have been at least 100 attacks on US and
coalition forces in Iraq and Syria.
Administration officials saying this morning that if those attacks do
not stop.
They will continue to respond.
Eva Jay O'Brien for us there at the White House.
Thank you, Jay.