Trump Responds After Iran Fires Missiles at US Troops in Iraq

Trump Responds After Iran Fires Missiles at US Troops in Iraq
President Donald Trump makes a statement on Iran at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Jan. 3, 2020. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
Jack Phillips
1/7/2020
Updated:
1/8/2020

President Donald Trump responded on Tuesday night to Iran’s launching of missiles at Iraqi military bases that hold U.S. troops.

“All is well! Missiles launched from Iran at two military bases located in Iraq. 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,” Trump wrote on Twitter at around 9:45 p.m. ET, coming about three hours after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it fired more than 10 missiles at the al Asad base in Iraq.

Unconfirmed reports were saying Trump would make a televised address in the Oval Office.

“In Operation Martyr Suleimani in early hours of Wednesday, tens of ground-to-ground missiles were fired at the U.S. base and successfully pounded the al Asad base,” the Revolutionary Guards said via state-run television, according to a translation.

The attack was later confirmed by the Pentagon, which said more than a dozen missiles were fired at American military and coalition bases.

“It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel” at Irbil and Al Asad.

“We are working on initial battle damage assessments,” the Pentagon also said before adding that the ”Department of Defense has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners. These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interests in the region.”

An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, in this still image taken from a video shot on Jan. 8, 2020. (Iran Press/Handout via Reuters)
An explosion is seen following missiles landing at what is believed to be Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, in this still image taken from a video shot on Jan. 8, 2020. (Iran Press/Handout via Reuters)

Aside from the White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and other members of Congress said they were informed.

“Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our service members, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war,” she wrote on Twitter.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) wrote: “Tonight we must be united in the fight against terrorism and those who would do our country harm. America’s full support is with our courageous servicemen and women standing the watch.”
Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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