In the aftermath of General Soleimani’s death, Iran launched missiles on USA airbase
In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran defense forces launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against the two Iraq military bases that host U.S forces in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani last week.
Al-Asad airbase in western Iraq’s Anbar province was hit 17 times, including by two ballistic missiles that failed to detonate, according to the Iraqi government. A further five missiles were targeted at a base in the northern city of Erbil in the assault, which began at about 1.30 am local time on Wednesday. Iran vowed vengeance for the targeted airstrike that was launched by U.S defense forces on President Trump’s order to eliminate the General.
Iran’s motive was only to attack the U.S and not harm its neighbour. As per the statement released from Iraq’s Prime Minister’s office, Iraq was notified shortly after midnight by Iran that an attack had begun and explained that the strikes would be limited to locations where the US military was present. The office further stated that Iraq office was informed around the same time that Iraqi airbases, Ain al-Asad and Erbil were under missile attack.
Talking about the missiles attack, Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, described called it “a slap in the face” for the US. He further warned that Tehran still had a wider goal which is to expel its enemy forces from the region. The Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, said the final answer to the assassination of General Soleimani would be to “kick all US forces out of the region.”
Picture: Getty Images
The IRGC said in a statement that the attacks on Iraqi bases were the “hard revenge” for Soleimani’s death. The IRGC said any country housing US troops could be subject to “hostile and aggressive acts” and called on American citizens to demand the administration remove US troops from the region. It warned the US: “If you repeat your wickedness or take any additional movements or make additional aggression, we will respond with more painful and crushing responses.”
All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. Assessment of casualties & damages taking place now. So far, so good! We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2020
While Iranian officials said that at least 80 US personnel have got killed in the bombing, President Trump appeared relieved in his tweet after the attack. Iraq’s joint military command confirmed that none of the Iraqi personnel has got hurt in any way.
Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defense under Article 51 of UN Charter targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched.
We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020
Iraq’s foreign minister tweeted that Iraq’s attack was under the proportion of Article 51. He clarified that they don’t want to escalate the war but they wouldn’t back out from defending themselves either.
LIVE: President @realDonaldTrump Addresses the Nation https://t.co/vRH9gVAD0N
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 8, 2020
President Trump will address the nation regarding the attack in detail, addressing the loss and casualties from the White House at 11:00 AM.