Riyaz Patel
A second series of rockets have been launched toward US targets in Iraq, shortly after dozens of missiles struck US military facilities in the area earlier this morning, according to Iranian media reports.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has once again warned allies in the US against getting involved in their operation – dubbed “Martyr Soleimani” – and have threatened possible retaliation, according to Tehran-based Tasnim News Agency.
Earlier, approximately 35 missiles were launched and struck US targets in Erbil, Iraq and the country’s Ayn al-Asad Air Base, which houses US military forces.
The IRGC confirmed early Wednesday morning to Press TV that Ayn al-Asad Air Base was hit after tens of missiles were fired toward the facility which houses US troops.
“We warn all allied countries of the US that if attacks are launched from bases in their countries on Iran, they will be a target of military retaliation,” the IRGC said in a statement obtained by the New York Times’ Farnaz Fassihi.
“About 35 rounds total hit the base” out of the dozens of rockets fired at the US military facility, according to VOA News’ Carla Babb.
Iran’s Fars news agency labeled the reported Iranian ballistic missiles fired at the US base as “hard revenge” in a translated social media post.
The White House said it’s “aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq” after Iran reported it had fired a series of rockets at a joint US-Iraqi air base.
“We are aware of the reports of attacks on US facilities in Iraq. The President has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team,” White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham said.
There’s been no immediate information on damage or casualties yet.
“Under missile attack from Iran. These are either cruise missiles or short range ballistic missiles. All over the country,” a senior US military source stationed in Iraq said, Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin reported.
Missiles were also reportedly fired at the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, which houses a US consulate.
The IRGC’s attack on the US military facilities in Iraq comes hours after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official Maj. Gen. Mortada Qurbani announced his forces were “in a high state of alert to destroy [Europe and the US’] bases in the region and humiliate you.”
The relatiolatory strikes comes after Iranian Iranian Quds Force commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani was killed in a US strike last Friday in Iraq.
This is a developing story. More to follow.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY VARIOUS AGENCIES
