U.S. CENTCOM Strikes Kataib Hezbollah Facilities in Iraq, Houthi Anti-Ship Missiles in Yemen

In response to escalating hostilities initiated by the Iranian-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah (KH), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) carried out unilateral airstrikes against three key facilities used by the group in Iraq on January 24.

This military action comes in the wake of the recent attack on al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq on January 20, attributed to Kataib Hezbollah.

The targeted strikes, specifically aimed at KH headquarters, storage facilities, and training locations, sought to cripple the group's capabilities in rockets, missiles, and one-way attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These facilities were identified as critical to Kataib Hezbollah's operations and posed a direct threat to the security of U.S. personnel and interests in the region.

Last Saturday, CENTCOM reported that Iran-backed militants launched ballistic missiles at a base housing U.S. troops in Iraq, resulting in injuries among American personnel. The aftermath of the attack saw U.S. forces conducting evaluations for traumatic brain injuries. Additionally, at least one Iraqi service member sustained injuries during the assault.

Simultaneously, in a separate operation on January 24 at approximately 2:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. CENTCOM forces conducted strikes against two Houthi anti-ship missiles positioned in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. These missiles were poised to target the Southern Red Sea and presented an imminent threat to both merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships operating in the region.

The decision to neutralize the Houthi anti-ship missiles was based on the assessment that they posed a clear and immediate danger to maritime traffic in international waters. By swiftly destroying the missiles, U.S. forces aimed to safeguard freedom of navigation and enhance the safety and security of both U.S. Navy vessels and merchant ships in the area.