Trump downplays Iran's missiles attack against U.S. forces in Iraq

Source: Xinhua| 2020-01-08 12:48:12|Editor: ZX
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to downplay Iran's missile attack against U.S. forces in Iraq, while highlighting U.S. military strength at the same time.

"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!" Trump tweeted hours after Iran's military launched missiles targeting U.S. forces in Iraq.

"We have the most powerful and well equipped military anywhere in the world, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning," he added.

The Pentagon confirmed earlier that Iran had launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq.

"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 Al-Assad & Irbil," the Pentagon said in a statement.

The Pentagon also pointed out that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.

U.S. media reported late Tuesday that there were no initial reports of any U.S. casualties caused by Iran's attack.

The missile attack came hours after Trump's latest warning to Iran earlier Tuesday.

"If Iran does anything that they shouldn't be doing, they're going to be suffering the consequences, and very strongly," Trump told reporters in the White House.

Qassem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad airport on Friday, raising fears of an uncontrolled escalation in the region.

Commander of the IRGC Hossein Salami warned the United States on Tuesday that Iran would take "severe revenge" over its assassination of Soleimani.

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