(NewsNation) — U.S. forces in the Middle East continue to face ongoing threats from military groups backed by Iran. A congressman has criticized the White House’s response, accusing the Biden administration of downplaying an attack at a base this past weekend that injured American personnel.
Video footage reveals the aftermath of a rocket and missile attack that occurred Saturday in Western Iraq at an airbase used by both the U.S. and Iraqi military.
U.S. Central Command says the base intercepted missiles and rockets fired by Iranian-backed militants.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the attack impacted “a small number” of personnel, leaving them with concussions.
However, Kirby’s response has led to some criticism.
“John Kirby from the Biden team displayed callousness when he downplayed the impact traumatic brain injuries have on our U.S. servicemembers. One injury is one too many,” Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., said.
In a statement to NewsNation, Kirby responded to Bigg’s criticism, saying he described the personnel injuries as “serious.”
This all comes as the U.S. recently announced new sanctions against groups and people accused of working with the Iranian military and intelligence.
The sanctions target an Iraqi airline that the State Department alleges helped carry supplies and personnel to Syria. They also target money networks connected to Hamas.
The State Department hopes the sanctions hurt military groups tied to Iran.
“Sanctions are not the only step the U.S. is taking to disable these groups. The U.S. believes that these are a vital tool to fight those who misuse both their own and U.S. financial systems,” State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said.
Pentagon staff recently said that since mid-October, U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria have been attacked around 140 times by military groups backed by Iran.