Iran-backed militias in Syria, Iraq targeted by US air strikes

This grab from a broadcast by Syria TV on June 28, shows a facility used by Iran-backed groups following US air strikes. Pic/AFP

The US military, under the direction of President Joe Biden, has conducted airstrikes against what it said were "facilities used by Iran-backed militia groups" near the border between Iraq and Syria.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the militias were using the facilities to launch unmanned aerial vehicle attacks against US troops in Iraq.

Kirby said the US military targeted three operational and weapons storage facilities Sunday, two in Syria and one in Iraq.

He described the airstrikes as "defensive," saying they were launched in response to the attacks by militias.

"The United States took necessary, appropriate, and deliberate action designed to limit the risk of escalation, but also to send a clear and unambiguous deterrent message," Kirby said.

The Pentagon said the facilities were used by Iran-backed militia factions, including Kata'ib Hezbollah and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada.

The Iran-backed Iraqi factions vowed revenge for the attack and would continue to target US forces, in a joint statement.

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