According to the official statement released by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, the strikes were a "response to a series of ongoing and mostly unsuccessful attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria by Iranian-backed militia groups that began on October 17." As a result of these initial attacks, one U.S. citizen contractor died from a cardiac incident while seeking cover, and 21 U.S. personnel suffered minor injuries but have since returned to duty.
"The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today's action to make clear that the United States will not tolerate such attacks and will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests," said Austin in the press release.
The U.S. government has stressed that it does not wish to escalate the situation further. "The United States does not seek conflict and has no intention nor desire to engage in further hostilities, but these Iranian-backed attacks against U.S. forces are unacceptable and must stop," Austin emphasized.
As per the press release, the U.S. urges all state and non-state entities not to take actions that could lead to broader regional conflict. If attacks by Iran's proxies continue, the U.S. "will not hesitate to take further necessary measures to protect our people," concluded Austin.