Israel Indicates Retaliatory Strikes in Iraq, Yemen, Iran; US Hits Iraqi Terrorists with Airstrikes

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated on Tuesday that Israeli forces had retaliated against attacks from forces in Iraq, Yemen, and Iran recently. The Israeli military hinted that it hit targets in Lebanon and Syria, and also suggested that it had carried out raids on locations in the West Bank.

Three U.S. service members were injured, including one critically, in a drone attack against a U.S. base in Iraq by the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah and affiliated terrorist organizations on Dec. 25. The Biden administration ordered airstrikes against the terrorist groups in retaliation.

Russia on Dec. 25 said it had gained control of Marinka, a town in eastern Ukraine about 12 miles west of Donetsk, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying it would serve as a strategic post. Ukraine has denied Russia’s claim, however, saying its troops are still active within the town’s borders.