Iran launches missiles at US forces in Iraq
A major development.
Iran has launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq.
The missiles were launched late on Tuesday night.
The Pentagon confirmed the news in the early hours of Wednesday morning, saying that "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 Irbil".
It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran & targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military & coalition personnel at Al-Assad & Irbil.
We are working on initial battle damage assessments.— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) January 8, 2020
Iran has since released an alleged video of the attack:
Clip via Guardian News
While Iranian state media claimed that there were at least 80 US casualties in the missile strikes, initial assessments by US officials claimed that there were no casualties.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, tweeted "so far, so good", and that the US "have the most powerful and well equipped military in the world by far".
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
No Iraqis were harmed in the attacks, according to the country’s prime minister’s office.
A statement from the US Department of Defense read: "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region."
As we evaluate the situation & our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect & defend U.S. personnel, partners, & allies in the region.
Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available.— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) January 8, 2020
Donald Trump is expected to make a statement on Wednesday morning.
This retaliation comes in response to the death of Iran's General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by a US air strike in Iraq last week.
