Officials from the Pentagon confirmed reports to Fox News on Tuesday that Iran was retaliating against US facilities in Iraq after an airstrike that killed Qassem Soleimani, a top leader of the Iranian military.
A senior military source told Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin that the attacks were “all over the country.”
“Under missile attack from Iran,” the short statement read. “These are either cruise missiles or short range ballistic missiles. All over the country.”
Griffin added that the source said the missiles were fired from the ground in Iran at multiple US bases and other targets in Iraq.
Bloomberg reported that Iran state television said the operation was named “Martyr Soleimani.” Another report indicated that the response involved “tens” of missiles.
Griffin said on Fox News that when she asked the official if US forces were pulling out, they responded, “no, defending.”
Ain Assad air base is in Iraq’s western Anbar province. It was first used by American forces after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein. It later saw American troops stationed there amid the fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.
State TV said the operation’s name was “Martyr Soleimani.” It said the Guard’s aerospace division that controls Iran’s missile program launched the attack. Iran said it would release more information later.
We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team.
— Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) January 7, 2020
