What Is Kataib Hezbollah? Iran-Linked Group Blamed For Drone Attack On American Bases—Leading To U.S. Strikes.
ForbesJan 01
The Facts
The US conducted airstrikes in Iraq early on Tuesday, targeting three sites used by Kataib Hezbollah, a pro-Iran militant group. The US military says the strikes were in response to the group’s attack on its Erbil Air Base one day prior.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that three US servicemen were wounded, one critically, by Kataib Hezbollah’s attack. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said that the Biden administration ordered the retaliatory strikes.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The US has been rightfully responding to attacks on its military bases in Iraq and Syria, and it must continue to project strength in the face of Iranian aggression in order to preserve peace in the region. Iran is sponsoring terrorists in the Middle East, seeking to destroy Israel and America. The Pentagon is sending a clear message that the US will not roll over.
Establishment-critical narrative
The US military continues to instigate as it conducted airstrikes in Iraq that killed and wounded civilians, and breached the nation's sovereignty. Moreover, since Israel’s war in Gaza broke out, the US military has heightened tensions and picked a fight against Iran. Continued escalation and possible war are the inevitable outcomes if the Pentagon continues its strategy of aggression.
