80 'American terrorists' killed in missile attacks, says Iran

Hours after launching missile attacks on two Iraqi bases housing American troops in the wee hours of Wednesday (January 8), the Iranian state television claimed that 80 “American terrorists” were killed in the attacks.

Asserting that none of its missiles were intercepted, Tehran added that the US helicopters and military equipment were “severely damaged.”

The Iran Revolutionary Guard, according to the state TV, said that Iran had 100 other targets in sight to respond if Washington resorted to retaliatory action.

Iran ordered the missile strikes on US troops stationed in Iraq to avenge the killing of top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani on January 3.

In the aftermath of the drone strike that eliminated the General, both the US and Iran have engaged in a war of words that culminated in Tehran resorting to missile strikes.

Justifying the attack on the American personnel, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Iran took & concluded proportionate measures in self-defence.

Also Read: Iran attacks two Iraq bases housing American troops, justifies it

“We do not seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression,” added Zarif.

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.

— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 8, 2020

After the attack, US President Donald Trump tweeted that “All is well” and that he would soon issue a statement.

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

The US president also banned all American civil flights from flying over the Gulf, Iraq and Iran, reported AFP.

With Pentagon still “working on initial battle damage assessments”, the White House in Washington said that President Trump was closely monitoring the situation and was engaged in consultation with his national security team.

“It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil,” the Pentagon said.

Also Read: Soleimani killing: Has Trump stirred up a hornet’s nest?

In the view of escalating tensions in West Asia, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India, on Wednesday issued advisory asking Indian airlines to remain vigilant, take all precautions in the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Gulf of Oman, waters of Persian Gulf.

(With inputs from agencies.)