Joe Biden: The Purpose of Recent US Attacks in Iraq Was 'Deterrence' Against the Islamic Republic

The President of the United States stated that the US military attacks on the positions of the Kata'ib Hezbollah militia in Iraq on Monday were aimed at deterring the Islamic Republic and its proxy forces. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced last Tuesday that US forces conducted attacks against Kata'ib Hezbollah positions in Iraq on Monday evening. In a letter to US congressional leaders, Joe Biden wrote, 'The purpose of these attacks was to reduce and disrupt the ongoing series of attacks against the United States and our partners, and to deter Iran and Iran-backed militia groups from carrying out or supporting further attacks on US personnel and facilities.' In this letter, which was published on the White House website on Wednesday, he emphasized, 'The United States is prepared to take further appropriate and proportional actions to address any additional threats or attacks.' The US attack on Kata'ib Hezbollah occurred after a drone strike targeted the location of US-led coalition forces in Erbil, Iraq, injuring several coalition soldiers. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in mid-October, Iran-backed militia groups in the region have increased their attacks against Israeli and US interests in various parts of the Middle East. An American senator called for retaliatory strikes in Iran: 'Blow up the IRGC bases.' The IRGC spokesperson claimed: 'Operation Al-Aqsa Storm' was the revenge for Qassem Soleimani; Hamas denied this. Exclusive: The Israeli army spokesperson warned: 'Any attack or aggression will be met with our decisive response.' The Iraqi army: Following the 'terrorist' drone attack, operations at Erbil airport have been suspended. The US Department of Defense: A drone launched from Iran attacked a ship in the Indian Ocean. The US: The Islamic Republic has extensive involvement in attacks on ships in the Red Sea.