Iranian Gen. Qasem Suleimani, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces’ deputy head martyred in US airstrikes in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, (ST)- The Iraqi state TV has confirmed the martyrdom of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, the head of al-Quds Force and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander, as well as Deputy Head of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and a leader in the Popular Mobilization forces Mohammad al-Kawtharani in US airstrikes that targeted their car on Baghdad International Airport road.

Citing spokesman of the popular mobilization forces group Ahmad al-Asadi, the TV said that the American warplanes during the early hours of Friday fired missiles on two vehicles carrying two Iraqi Mobilization Forces leaders and their guests on Baghdad International Airport road, claiming the lives of Gen. Soleimani, and the two popular forces leaders.

In statements reported by Reuters, American officials admitted launching rocket attacks on the vicinity of Baghdad Airport.

 Earlier reports said that the popular forces public relations director Mohammed Reza al-Jaberi and four other members of the group were also killed after three Katyusha rockets struck a military base next to Baghdad International Airport in the Iraqi capital.

The Pentagon confirmed in a statement that US President Donald Trump has authorized the US military strike near Baghdad’s airport, claiming that the strike was aimed at deterring what it called “future Iranian attack plans.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed that General Qassem Soleimani was martyred in a targeted assassination attack by US aircraft at Baghdad International Airport early Friday morning.

“General Qassem Soleimani has been martyred by the US helicopters after lifetime efforts,” the IRGC said in a statement.

According to Press TV, Hessamoddin Ashena, adviser to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, said that Washington “passed red lines” with its assassination of Gen. Qassem Soleimani and will “have to face its consequences”.

The presidential adviser added that the United States President Donald Trump has pushed Washington into the “most dangerous regional circumstances”. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a tweet that the assassination of Iran Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani was “an extremely dangerous and foolish escalation.”

“The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism,” he added.

On the other hand, a former commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Mohsen Rezaei, vowed “vigorous revenge against America” for the killing of Gen. Soleimani.

 Hamda Mustafa