Hours ago, Iran launched surface-to-surface missile attacks on two United States military bases in Iraq. Over a dozen missiles targeted the Al-Assad and Erbil military bases where American and coalition forces are based. There are currently no reports of any casualties.
Statements on Iranian state TV confirmed the ballistic strikes on the Al-Assad airbase in western Iraq. In the aftermath of the killing of Major General Qassem Soleimani’s killing, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini stated, “Severe revenge awaits those criminals who have tainted their filthy hands with his blood and the blood of the other martyrs”. This appears to be the beginning of the revenge he spoke of.
The United States Department of Defence made this statement with regard to these reports, “At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq. It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Erbil. We are working on initial battle damage assessments.”.
President Donald Trump responded to the attacks in a tweet which said, “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.”.
ranian Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif also tweeted, “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.”.
At this stage, neither side seems willing to back down or resolve issues via diplomacy.
