Iran has promised “crushing revenge” against the United States following Trump’s bombing of a top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani who was the leader of the Quds Force and a beloved figure among his countrymen.
The American airstrike on Soleimani took place at Baghdad International Airport whereas missiles were fired at the general just moments after he was driven away from the plane he landed in.
Following the assassination of one of Iran’s most prominent figures, the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Defense Minister Amir Hatami promised that the general would be avenged.
The airstrike was ordered by President Donald Trump shortly after Iran-backed Iraqi militia besieged the US embassy in Baghdad and set its reception on fire.
According to the reports, the Marines were able to repel the attack whereas several hundred troops were sent across the ocean to aid them.
As Pentagon claimed, the US President ordered the attack on Soleimani in order “to protect U.S. personnel abroad.”
In addition, Pentagon announced that General Soleimani had to be taken out because he was “actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.”
After the successful assassination, Trump has shared a picture of the American flag on Twitter without further explanation.
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Baghdad urged all Americans in Iraq to leave immediately.
“Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, the US Embassy urges American citizens to heed the January 2020 Travel Advisory and depart Iraq immediately. US citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to other countries via land,” they wrote.
“Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the US Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. US citizens should not approach the Embassy,” the State Department added.
After the airstrike, thousands of Iranian mourners have taken to the streets to mourn the loss of their beloved general.
As for the government officials and the Supreme Leader, they vowed to take their revenge on those responsible for the attack.
“All friends – & enemies – know that Jihad of Resistance will continue with more motivation & definite victory awaits the fighters on this blessed path. The loss of our dear General is bitter. The continuing fight & ultimate victory will be more bitter for the murderers & criminals,” Supreme Leader Khamenei announced.
“A crushing revenge will be taken for Soleimani’s unjust assassination,” Defense Minister Amir Hatami proclaimed.
“The US’ act of international terrorism, targeting & assassinating General Soleimani—THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation. The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism,” Javad Zarif, Iran’s foreign minister, added.
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