FOX News is reporting that President Trump ordered an airstrike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
The Pentagon confirmed the attack against Soleimani, the commander the State Department says is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans and coalition service members as well as the wounding of thousands more. The State Department urged citizens to depart Iraq immediately and suspended consular operations due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound.
According to the State Department:
“General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region… The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world.”
Iran President, Hassan Rouhani vowed retaliation:
The flag of General Soleimani in defense of the country's territorial integrity and the fight against terrorism and extremism in the region will be raised, and the path of resistance to US excesses will continue. The great nation of Iran will take revenge for this heinous crime.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 3, 2020