Part 2/11:
On Tuesday evening, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the strikes, describing them as "necessary and proportionate retaliation." The action targeted three facilities used by militia groups tied to Iran, specifically the Katai Hezbollah (often referred to as Katai Bah), a prominent Iran-backed militia with close links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force.
One of the targeted sites was reportedly a regional headquarters for Katai Bah, with others serving as locations for rockets, missiles, and attack drones. Austin emphasized that u.S. military efforts are directed at defending American interests and personnel and that the US does not seek further conflict in the region. However, he also stated that the Pentagon is prepared to escalate further if necessary.