NOBLES: Iran is threatening to retaliate after U.S. forces carry out airstrikes against five targets Iraq and Syria that the Pentagon says are tied to an Iranian-backed militia. The U.S. military says that militia is behind a series of attacks on joint U.S./Iraqi bases used by American forces. One of those attacks, which happened last week, left an American contractor dead and several other U.S. servicemembers injured. CNN Pentagon reporter, Ryan Browne, joins us now. Ryan, what can you tell us about these airstrikes?</s>RYAN BROWNE, CNN PENTAGON REPORTER: Well, Ryan, as you said, these strikes were part of an effort by the U.S. to get Iran and its proxies there in Iraq to stop its attacks on joint U.S./Iraqi bases. There had been some high-level diplomatic efforts prior to these strikes. Secretary Pompeo, Secretary Esper had been calling their Iraqi counterparts, stressing the need for them to get these militia groups under control. But it had little avail. And we saw that deadly Friday attack against that U.S./Iraqi base that led to the death of an American contractor and wounded several other U.S. servicemembers. Again, the U.S. military felt it necessary to conduct these strikes, hoping that it will deter Iran and its local allies from conducting any additional strikes. But again, this has really complicated the situation. It's unclear. As you said, Iran has warned of consequences. Some of these militia groups have threatened to strike back. The Iraqi government has criticized attacks, saying it was a violation of their sovereignty.
Iran Sends Warning after U.S. Airstrikes Hit Iran- Backed Militia in Iraq & Syria.