U.S. forces launch 'defensive' airstrikes against Iran-backed militias

U.S. military forces carried out what a Pentagon official called “defensive” airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on Sunday against Iran-backed militia groups that were behind drone attacks on American personnel.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said in a statement that the airstrikes targeted operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one in Iraq. The facilities were used by at least two militias, Kata'ib Hezbollah and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Kirby said.

Kirby added that President Joe Biden, who authorized the strikes, “directed further military action to disrupt and deter” attacks on U.S. facilities and personnel in Iraq.

Kirby said these attacks were "ongoing."