Iraq: US airstrikes are ‘hostile act’ by Biden

Action again Iran-backed militants in neighbouring country draws rebuke from Baghdad authorities

JOE BIDEN was accused of carrying out a “hostile act” by the Iraqi government after he ordered airstrikes in the country in revenge for attacks on US troops.

The US president told Pentagon officials to carry out retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militants who injured three US soldiers in a drone attack earlier this week.

US warplanes struck three locations in Iraq before dawn on Tuesday connected to the Kataib Hezbollah group.

But the airstrikes also killed an Iraqi soldier, leading to a rebuke from Baghdad, which hosts US troops in bases across the country. “It runs counter to the pursuit of enduring mutual interests in establishing security and stability, and it opposes the declared intention of the American side to enhance relations with Iraq,” the Iraqi foreign ministry said.

Tit-for-tat attacks in Iraq have become routine following the Oct 7 assault in Israel by Hamas, which is also backed by Iran.

Lloyd Austin, the US defence secretary, defended the airstrikes in Iraq as “necessary and proportionate”. The US has become active in responding to threats from Iranian proxies in the Gulf region in recent weeks, leading a patrol protecting ships from Houthi missiles from Yemen.

Regional tensions increased further yesterday, with explosions reported off the coasts of Egypt and Yemen.

Meanwhile, America’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza has waned, with the White House sharply warning against killing civilians and calling for more aid.

Ron Dermer, the Israeli minister of strategic affairs, was due to meet Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state and national security adviser Jake Sullivan last night to discuss the conflict in Gaza and the return of hostages held by Hamas, the White House said.

Blinken also held a call with Dermer earlier this month. The days around Christmas have seen an upsurge in the war, particularly in a central area just south of the seasonal waterway that bisects the Gaza Strip.

A British maritime agency said explosions were heard and missiles were sighted yesterday off the coast of Yemen where Iran-backed Houthi rebels have attacked commercial ships transiting the Red Sea in solidarity with Gaza.

There was no immediate claim for the latest attacks. Explosions were also heard off the coast of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, state-linked media said.

Israel launched fresh airstrikes in central Gaza yesterday as the United Nations said it was alarmed by the intensification of attacks in the area.