The US launches airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, Syria: What you need to know

Picture Courtesy: OpIndia

1. The US military conducted airstrikes targeting operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one in Iraq, on Sunday.

2. The facilities were used by two militias, Kata'ib Hezbollah and Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada. These Iran-backed groups in Syria are also being considered a big threat to Israel, so this action by the US was deemed very important by some.

3. The airstrike was carried out on the instructions of President Joe Biden, who has ordered a retaliatory strike against an Iran –backed militia group for the second time within 5 months of becoming President.

4. The Pentagon press secretary, John Kirby described the airstrikes as "defensive" and were launched in response to drone attacks against US personnel and facilities in Iraq.

5. At least four Iran-backed militia fighters in Iraq and Syria were killed in the airstrikes, Iraqi militia said in a statement released Monday. They said they will retaliate against the US airstrike.

6. Iraq's military released a statement condemning the attacks and describe it as a blatant and unacceptable violation of Iraqi's sovereignty and national security.