The United States began retaliatory attacks on Friday in response to an attack earlier this week by Iran-backed Iraqi terrorists that killed three American soldiers in Jordan and injured 40 others.
The Pentagon said the strike bears the “footprints” of the Iran-backed Iraqi group Kataib Hezbollah.
What is it?
Kataib Hezbollah, also known as the Hezbollah Brigades, is an Iran-backed Iraqi militia group that has gained notoriety for its alleged involvement in attacks against US troops and interests in the region.
President Biden delivered a harsh warning, stating, “Our response began today. It will continue at the times and locations of our choice. Let all those who wish to harm us know that if you injure an American, we will reply.”
This declaration emphasizes a commitment to a long-term and planned reaction, rather than a single punitive act.
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated that the targets were carefully picked to minimize civilian losses and were based on irrefutable information tying them to assaults on US forces in the vicinity. However, he refrained from sharing the details of this proof.
Origins and ideology of Kataib Hezbollah
Kataib Hezbollah was founded in 2007 by Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a prominent Iraqi militant who was closely associated with Iran’s top general, Qasem Soleimani.
The group operates under the umbrella organization called the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), which consists mainly of Shia armed groups that fought against the Islamic State with the support of Iran and the US.
The group’s ideology is rooted in the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih, which grants Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ultimate authority over all Shia Muslims. Kataib Hezbollah also draws inspiration from Lebanon’s Hezbollah, another Iran-backed group that has engaged in conflicts against Israel and the US.
Kataib Hezbollah has been implicated in several attacks targeting US forces and interests in Iraq and the region. These attacks have caused significant casualties and heightened tensions between the US and Iran-backed militias.
Here are some notable instances:
- In June 2011, Kataib Hezbollah launched a devastating rocket attack on a US base near Baghdad, killing six soldiers and injuring 14 more, showcasing their ability to strike on US forces.
- In December 2019, a gang attacked a US facility in Kirkuk, killing a contractor and injuring four US and two Iraqi soldiers, escalating tensions between the US and Iran-backed forces.
- In January 2021, Kataib Hezbollah carried out a devastating double suicide attack in Baghdad, resulting in 32 deaths and over 100 injuries, showcasing their ability to commit large-scale violence.
- In January 2024, a drone strike by Hezbollah and PMF forces killed three US soldiers and injured numerous others, prompting the US military to launch an aerial operation against Iranian-backed militias.
- Kataib Hezbollah has repeatedly denied its involvement in some of the attacks attributed to the group. It has accused the US of violating Iraq’s sovereignty and supporting terrorist organizations like IS and Israel. The group has vowed to continue its resistance against the US and its allies until they leave Iraq and the region.
Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Iraqi militia group, has been linked to attacks on US troops and interests. Founded in 2007, it follows Wilayat al-Faqih and draws inspiration from Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Despite being designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US, it continues to challenge US presence and enter Iraq’s political arena.
Direct threat to US troops in Iraq
As the global community grapples with myriad challenges posed by extremist organizations, Kataib Hazbollah remains a potent force. Its ability to sow instability, perpetuate violence, and pose a direct threat to US troops in Iraq underscores the urgency of addressing this threat in a comprehensive and collaborative manner. Only through a concerted effort to dismantle the extremist group can the dream of a peaceful and stable Middle East be realized.
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