Iraq criticized US airstrikes on its military sites saying it undermines the bilateral relations between the two nations. President Biden ordered the US military to conduct retaliatory airstrikes against Iran-backed militant groups following the attack on Erbil Air Base on December 25.

While condemning the actions of militant groups on Iraqi military sites, Baghdad said US strikes resulted in the martyrdom of one service member and the injury of 18 others, including civilians. “This constitutes a clear hostile act. 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 statement said its security forces have established security and stability throughout the country and achieved victory over ISIS. “Safeguarding the gains of this victory stands at the heart of our security and strategic priorities, and we will not allow any entity to undermine what has been accomplished and solidified through invaluable sacrifices.”

President Biden Authorizes Precision Strikes Against Kataib Hezbollah in Decisive Response to Erbil Air Base Attack

The US military strikes in Iraq were done with the approval given by President Joe Biden after Kataib Hezbollah, Iran-backed militia group, claimed credit for the attack on Erbil Air Base early Monday morning.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said President Biden ordered three retaliatory strikes on three locations utilized by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups focused specifically on unmanned aerial drone activities. CENTCOM confirmed the strikes were conducted at 8.45 pm Eastern Time and likely killed a Kataib Hezbollah militants. “No civilians were believed to have been wounded or killed.”

National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said President Biden places no higher priority than the protection of American personnel serving in harm’s way. “The United States will act at a time and in a manner of our choosing should these attacks continue.”

Iraq at the Crossroads: Caught in the Crossfire of US Retaliation and Iran-Backed Militant Strikes

Iraq is paying the high cost of Iran-backed militant groups targeting US airbases on Iraqi soil. The latest US retaliatory strikes come after US forces jets struck a Kataib Hezbollah operations center and command and control node last month. This was US’s avenge for attacks on US forces at Al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq.

The US has been sucked into the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with Iran-backed groups striking Israel from Lebanon and Israeli ships in the Red Sea. Washington blamed Iran for funding and training Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah, as well as Yemeni Houthi militants.