Pentagon Press Secretary Responds to Kata’ib Hezbollah’s Announcement

Fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah carried out a training exercise in Aaramta village in the Jezzine District, southern Lebanon, on Sunday, May 21, 2023. The show of force came ahead of “Liberation Day,” the annual celebration of the withdrawal of Israeli forces from south Lebanon on May 25, 2000, and in the wake of a recent escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder responded to the recent announcement by the Iranian-backed group, Kata’ib Hezbollah, stating that “actions speak louder than words” and emphasizing there will still be consequences for the death of three American soldiers on Sunday in Jordan. Kata’ib Hezbollah had earlier declared their intention to halt attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East.

The militant group Kataib Hezbollah declared a suspension of its military operations against US forces in Syria and Iraq. The decision was motivated by a desire to avoid causing “any embarrassment” to the Iraqi government, as conveyed in their official statement.

While the group announced a temporary halt to attacks on US forces in the region, Kataib Hezbollah underscored its commitment to defending its people in Gaza through alternative means. This decision marks a strategic shift for the group, which has been active in the region.