Iraq: Iran fires ballistic missiles at 2 bases used by US troops
Baghdad/Washington/Tehran/IBNS: The US Department of Defence on Wednesday said more than a dozen ballistic missiles, which were fired by Iran, hit at least two airbases housing US troops in Iraq.
The US Department of Defence said the missiles targeted two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil.
"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 Irbil," said Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement.
"We are working on initial battle damage assessments," he said.
It is still not clear whether there was any casualty in the incidents.
"In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region," read the statement.
The US said it will take all necessary measures to protect and defend country's personnel, partners, and allies in the region.
Reacting to the developments, US President Donald Trump tweeted: "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."
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
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif issued a statement on Twitter and said the attack was in self-defence.
Zarif said he did not want the situation to escalate into war.
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.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020
We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.
"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," Zarif tweeted.
The incidents took place hours after top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani was buried.
Soleimani was killed during a US airstrike on Friday.
He was the chief of the Iranian elite Quds Force.
The relationship between Iran and the US has touched new low following the killing of Soleimani on Friday.
Live now! @SecPompeo delivers remarks to the media. https://t.co/vfd8hDKRkr
— Department of State (@StateDept) January 7, 2020
Soleimani was considered as the second most powerful man in Iran after the country's Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Iran had vowed harsh revenge over the general's killing.
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