FEBRUARY 9, 2024 – Last night, U.S. Central Command announced it had conducted a strike in Iraq that killed a Kataib Hezbollah commander responsible for directly planning and participating in attacks on U.S. forces in the region, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.
“There are no indications of collateral damage or civilian casualties at this time,” said Ryder during a briefing today. “Additionally, initial assessments indicate that there were no additional militants injured or killed beyond the one Kataib Hezbollah commander who was targeted.”
Ryder said the department is confident in the process used to identify the individual and to hold him accountable.
Department Mourns Marines Killed in Helicopter Crash
On Tuesday, five U.S. Marines were killed in a helicopter crash in California. The crew had been participating in a training operation.
In a statement earlier today, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said, “We mourn the tragic loss of five U.S. Marines earlier this week during a training flight enroute from Nevada to California. My prayers are with these brave Marines and their families, loved ones, and teammates.
“As the Marine Corps investigates this deadly crash, it is yet another reminder that across our nation and the world our selfless service members put their lives on the line every day to keep our country safe. The entire Department of Defense honors these brave Marines’ service and grieves their passing.”
During today’s news conference, Ryder added that the five Marines were assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Their names will be released once notifications have been made to next of kin.
By C. Todd Lopez , DOD News