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Photos and videos show the aftermath of the US rocket strike that took out Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani
Photos and videos show the aftermath of the US rocket strike that took out Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani
Bill Bostock,Bill BostockJan 3, 2020, 18:11 IST
Iraqi Security Media Cell via ReutersBurning debris seen on a road near Baghdad International Airport, which Iraqi paramilitary groups say were caused by three rockets, on January 3, 2020.
The stalwart Iranian general Qassem Soleimani was killed by a US rocket strike in Iraq on Friday, triggering a landslide of anguish across Iran.
The US Defence Department said it took out Soleimani at Baghdad International Airport because he "was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq."
Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami has promised "a crushing revenge" on the US.
Scroll down to see images of the strike and the reaction in the US, Iraq, and Iran.
The US Defence Department said it took out Soleimani as he travelled in a car near Baghdad International Airport because he "was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region."
In response, Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami promised "a crushing revenge," state news agency IRNA reported.
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Soleimani was the top commander of the elite Quds Force, also known as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and an iconic figure within Iran, revered for his leadership in the fight against ISIS.
Here's what the attack site looks like now, and how Iraqi and Iranian factions are responding.
This video, shared by Iran state-owned Press TV, shows the wrecked convoy in which Soleimani travelled near Baghdad International Airport early on Friday morning local time.
US officials told Reuters the strike was carried out by a drone, and that Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of the Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), was also killed.
Those protesting the Iraqi regime celebrated in Baghdad on Thursday night.
Iraqis — Iraqis — dancing in the street for freedom; thankful that General Soleimani is no more. pic.twitter.com/huFcae3ap4
But in Tehran, anti-American protesters took to the streets ...
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, a longtime critic of US foreign policy in the region, sharply criticized the strike on Friday, calling it "extremely dangerous" and a "foolish escalation."
Iran's leader of Friday prayers Ayatollah Seyyed Khatami focused his televised worship on Soleimani's death, and warned the US that it had made a grave error.
"Americans should know that they have not achieved victory, rather, they have come closer to a collapse," he said.
"I announce that Americans will not find peace anywhere in the world."
At around 1 p.m. local time on Friday, the US embassy in Baghdad urged all US citizens to leave Iraq immediately.
تنبيه أمني - سفارة الولايات المتحدة في بغداد، العراق، 3 كانون الثاني 2020 Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq, January 3, 2020https://t.co/3Cd1N4x6b9
This video shows the moment the spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Ramezan Sharif, breaks down on live TV while announcing Soleimani's passing.
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei ordered three days of mourning in a tweet on Friday afternoon.
The Iranian nation will honor the memory of the noble Major-General Soleimani & the martyrs with him—particularly the great Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis— & I declare 3 days of mourning across the nation. I condole & congratulate his family. /5 Sayyed Ali Khamenei Jan 3, 2020
Iranian newspapers do not publish Friday editions, because it is a holy day in Islam, but Saturday's editions will likely carry more images and reactions to the strike.
