Iran strikes back on bases in Iraq after U.S. drone attack

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By Mona Austin

Two bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq have been attacked in retaliation to the death of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, senior leaders in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp. Iran fired off multiple missles according to Iran's state news agency in what they are calling operation "Martyr Soleimani.” Casualties among U.S. forces, coalition forces and  personnel are unknown at press time.

Press Sec. Stephanie Grisham stated, "We are aware of the reports of the attacks on the U.S. air bases in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team."

The Pentagon confirmed Iran used over a dozen ballistic missles in  revenge strikes that impacted both the Al-Asad base in the Anbar province and Erbil in the northern province. The Gaurd has warned the U.S. not to retaliate in a statement. The Guard issued the warning via a statement carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.

“We are warning all American allies, who gave their bases to its terrorist army, that any territory that is the starting point of aggressive acts against Iran will be targeted,” The Guard said. It also threatened Israel and the has made not it clear that the U.S. itself is a target.

Pres. Trump has also warned that the U.S. would strike again if Iran chose to respond aggressively.

Striking two bases seems to be a symbolic tit-for-tat for the two leaders that were killed.  Just as Pres. Trump post a U.S. flag after the U.S. attack, Saeed Jalili a top nuclear negotiator in Iran posted the Iranian flag.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif claims they took action under atcile Indicating the strike was intended as propotional payback to the take down of their military leaders.  "We do not seek any escalation of war but will defend ourselves against any aggression."