Iran fires volley of rockets at US troops in Iraq

KABUL (Pajhwok): Iran has fired more than a dozen rockets at two Iraqi military bases hosting American troops, the US State Department alleges.

The rockets were fired at the Ain Al-Asad base in Anbar province and another one in Erbil early on Wednesday, aim of escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

These strikes came after a US drone raid killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad last week. Iran has warned of retaliation.

US President Donald Trump tweeted: “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 word, by far! I will be making a statement tomorrow morning.”

On the other hand, Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted: “Iran took proportionate measures in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, targeting base from which cowardly armed attack against our citizens & senior officials were launched.”

He wrote: “We don’t seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression.”

US House speaker Nancy Pelosi tweeted: “Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting US troops in Iraq.”

sa/mud