Iran attacks two Iraq bases housing American troops, justifies it

In response to the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, Iran on Tuesday (January 7) fired over a dozen missiles on two Iraqi bases housing US troops. There were no reports of any casualty. But as a result of this escalation between Tehran and Washington, oil prices have shot up by 3.5 per cent.

“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.

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.

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

USA civil flights banned over the Gulf, Iraq and Iran: AFP news agency https://t.co/m7MdxD85pf

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2020

Confirming the attack, Iranian state television reported one attack on an Iraqi base announcing that it was an act of revenge for the killing of General Soleimani.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards, which was headed by the former General, said that the Ain al-Assad base was attacked with missiles and warned of crushing response if the US launched a counter-attack.

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

“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

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

In the aftermath of the US drone strike that killed Soleimani outside the Baghdad International Airport, Tehran had warned of “severe revenge”.

As a consequence of the flare-up in West Asia, oil prices are likely to shoot up thereby having a cascading effect on prices of essential commodities.

However, US President Donald Trump in response, tweeted saying all is well and that he will be issuing a statement tomorrow:

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

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 input from agencies.)