US Escalates Conflict with Iran-Backed Militias in Iraq

Retaliatory airstrikes follow attacks on US forces, sparking condemnation from Iraqi government and threats from Iran-backed militias

US forces have conducted retaliatory airstrikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, marking an escalation in the ongoing conflict. The strikes targeted operations centers and command nodes, resulting in several enemy casualties.
The airstrikes were in response to a series of attacks on US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria by Iran-backed groups, with 66 attacks reported since October 17.
The Iraqi government has condemned the US airstrikes, asserting that they represent a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and could destabilize the country.
Iran-backed militias have threatened to expand their targets if US airstrikes continue, warning that the attacks 'will not go unpunished'.
The US maintains that it does not seek a wider conflict, but insists that the attacks on American forces must cease. The US has deployed more than 1,200 troops to the Middle East to assist in military action if needed.