The U.S. conducted an airstrike on a Baghdad airport early Friday which killed 62-year-old General Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian commander.
The BBC reports that during Soleimani’s tenure, Iran has supported the Hezbollah in Lebanon as well as other pro-Iranian groups, increased its military presence in Syria and Iraq, as well as orchestrating attacks against Syrian rebels.
Soleimani’s death has caused a major rise in tensions between the U.S. and Iranian governments. Iranian leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, “severe revenge awaits the criminals” behind the attack. He also announced three days of national mourning in honour of Soleimani.
During the time of the attack, U.S. President Donald Trump was in Florida. When news broke of the attack, Trump tweeted a photo of the American flag.
General Qassem Soleimani has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more…but got caught! He was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020
The Pentagon also released a statement that classified Soleimani a terrorist. It also claimed Soleimani was “developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.”
The attack also comes on the back of a protest that saw demonstrators attack the U.S. embassy in Iran, which the Pentagon claims Soleimani approved.
Throughout the morning, reactions have been coming in from all corners of the globe.
Israel’s Leader Benjamin Netanyahu said the U.S. had a “right” to defend itself and he praised President Trump’s quick action.
President @realDonaldTrump deserves all the credit for acting swiftly, forcefully and decisively.
Israel stands with the United States in its just struggle for peace, security and self-defense.
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 3, 2020
Russian officials have condemned the attack, claiming it was “murder” and a “reckless step”.
Canada’s foreign affairs minister calls on all sides to “exercise restraint and pursue de-escalation.”
In a statement, François-Philippe Champagne said their goal remains a united and stable Iraq.
“Canada has long been concerned by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Qods Force, led by Qasem Soleimani, whose aggressive actions have had a destabilizing effect in the region and beyond,” said Champagne.
Champagne said the safety and well-being of Canadians in the region, including troops and diplomats, is their paramount concern.
