US retaliates after 3 American service members injured by Kataib Hezbollah attack in Iraq

close Video

Iranian regime uses repression domestically, aggression abroad to maintain control: Reza Pahlavi

Reza Pahlavi, exiled crown prince of Iran, weighs in on Iranian threats to shut the Mediterranean Sea amid war with Israel and the threat America faces from the country and its proxies.

Three U.S. service members were injured in Iraq on Christmas Day when Kataib Hezbollah terrorists attacked Erbil Air Base, according to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin.

Austin announced late on Monday night that American forces “conducted necessary and proportionate strikes on three facilities used by Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups in Iraq.”

“These precision strikes are a response to a series of attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-sponsored militias, including an attack by Iran-affiliated Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated groups on Erbil Air Base earlier today, and intended to disrupt and degrade capabilities of the Iran-aligned militia groups directly responsible,” Austin said in a press release.

IRAN CLAIMS TO BE DEVELOPING ‘SMART’ CRUISE MISSILES FOR NAVY ARSENAL

A US military base established in Herir District, 70km from Erbil, is seen in Iraq in 2015.  (Photo by Hamit Huseyin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images/File)

“Today’s attack led to three injuries to U.S. personnel, leaving one service member in critical condition,” the statement added. “My prayers are with the brave Americans who were injured.”

This story is developing. Check back with us for more updates.

Andrea Vacchiano is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. You can follow her on X at @andrea_vacch or send story tips to andrea.vacchiano@fox.com.