As a retaliation to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, Iranian missiles attacked 22 US airbases in Iraq
The Islamic Republic of Iran today, i.e., Wednesday, January 8, 2020, launched 22 missiles at 2 Air Bases in Iraq, which houses the United States (U.S.) troops.
The missiles were launched at the Al-Asad Airbase and Erbil Airbase between 1:45 a.m. to 2:45 a.m. Al Assad airbase is one of the largest and oldest military bases in Iraq. It is located in Anbar province, a hotbed of ISIS activity in western Iraq between 2014 and 2017.
According to Iranian State Television, more than 80 “American terrorists” were killed in the attacks. It also claimed that Iran also has 100 other targets in the region, if U.S. took any retaliatory measures. However, the Iraq and U.S. have refuted this claim and have said that there have been no casualties.
Stating that things are under control, the President of U.S. – 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
On learning about the attacks, the U.S. Secretary of State – Mike Pompeo and U.S. Secretary of Defense – Mark Esper rushed to the White House to discuss the matter with the President of U.S. – Donald Trump. For the records, Trump had visited the Al-Asad Airbase in December 2018 as it is a crucial point for the U.S.
The Spokesperson for Pentagon – Jonathan Hoffman said, “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.”
He further added, “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.”
The attack is a retaliation from Iran after its Supreme Leader – Ami Khamenei vowed to take revenge for the killing of Major General of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – Qasem Soleimani. He was killed in an air strike, carried out by a drone, at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq on Friday, January 3, 2020.
Addressing the nation on a national television, Ali Khamenei said, “Military action this way, that’s not sufficient. What matters is that the presence of America, that is a source of corruption in this region, that should come to an end.”
Iran wants the U.S.to withdraw all its troops from the Middle East or face the consequences. The IRGC also warned Iraq in a statement by saying that countries housing U.S. troops could be subject to hostile and aggressive acts. The statement from Iran read, “To the Great Satan … we warn that if you repeat your wickedness or take any additional movements or make additional aggression, we will respond with more painful and crushing responses.”
Taking the responsibility of the attacks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran 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.”
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.
The U.S. has put its air-defense missile batteries across the Middle East on high alert. It is speculated that Iran could further target U.S. airbase in Qatar and Kuwait.
Owing to the attacks, the global stocks also tumbled. Japan’s Nikkei (N225) slid 2.6%, falling below 23,000 for the first time in about 2 months. Dow (INDU) Futures were down about 160. Futures for the S&P 500 (SPX) were down 0.3%. While, Nasdaq (COMP) futures also slid 0.4%, South Korea’s KOSPI and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index (HSI) both dropped 0.8%. China’s Shanghai Composite (SHCOMP) shed 0.6%.
