US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin confirmed a military operation, authorized by President Joe Biden, targeting Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq. The strikes aimed at facilities used by Iran-backed Shiite forces were in response to previous attacks on US and coalition forces in the region. Austin emphasized the defensive nature of the action, asserting the readiness for further measures to safeguard personnel and facilities. The US Central Command specified that Kataib Hezbollah’s installations for rockets, missiles, and drones were among the targets. Iraqi sources reported casualties, with 2 dead and 6 injured in the attacks on militia facilities in Babil and Anbar regions.