The U.S. military’s airstrikes against Kataib Hezbollah facilities in Iraq were a direct response to attacks on coalition forces.

These strikes, conducted at 8:45 p.m. (EST) on Dec. 25, targeted the group and its affiliates following their earlier assaults in Erbil, Iraq.

The Hezbollah attack resulted in three U.S. personnel injuries, with one service member critically wounded.

Initial assessments indicate the airstrikes successfully destroyed the intended targets and likely eliminated several Kataib Hezbollah militants, with no civilian casualties reported. General Michael Erik Kurilla of U.S. Central Command affirmed the strikes’ intent to deter future attacks and protect U.S. forces.