Iran attacks bases housing US troops

Iran launched a ballistic missile attack at two Iraqi bases which house US troops, in the early hours of Wednesday morning local time. More than a dozen missiles struck the al-Asad airbase and another in Erbil.

So far it seems that there were no casualties. US military sources said troops were given enough warning to reach shelters before the missiles struck.

The attacks were Iran's response to the US killing last week of top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad. Iran has called that attack an "act of war" and "state terrorism" and vowed a response.

After the attacks, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted in the early hours of Wednesday morning that Iran did not "seek escalation or war," saying the missile strikes were a proportion measure "in self defense under Article 51 of UN charter."

A top Iranian military commander has vowed a "stronger and more crushing" attack should the US respond with further strikes against Iran or Iranian forces in Iraq.

US President Donald Trump has not issued a formal statement or addressed the nation since the strike. On Twitter, he said that "All is well!"

"Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq," Trump added. "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."

Flights have been diverted from Iraq, while multiple countries, including Japan, India and Pakistan have issued travel alerts urging citizens to avoid travel to the country. The Philippines issued its highest-level alert, urging the immediate repatriation of all citizens in Iraq.

All eyes are now on Washington, to see what Trump's response will be Wednesday morning.

Let's block ads! (Why?)