By: Terresa Monroe-Hamilton
I did not write on this last night because quite frankly I was too busy celebrating the bastard’s death to write. I was Snoopy Dancing. I tweeted it out and a couple of trolls stated that this would cause more American deaths. They have no idea who this butcher was. I am glad he’s dead — it should have happened long ago and I am proud of President Trump for giving the orders to take him out.
The U.S. military, at the direction of President Trump, took out Iran’s most significant military figure, Qasem Soleimani, in airstrikes in Baghdad early Friday morning in a huge blow to the Islamic Republic. He was second only to Ayatollah Khomeini. Make no mistake, this is bigger than Bin Laden… this guy had far more blood on his hands. I have a pic of his untimely demise that I will not share because of its gruesome quality. But suffice it to say, he got what he so richly deserved.
The Pentagon confirmed in a statement that it killed Maj. Gen. Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s elite military forces, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force, as well as the commander of Iranian-controlled Shia militia forces in Iraq, Syria, and around the world. What you don’t hear is that we also rounded up other Quds Force leaders for interrogation.
“The reported deaths of Iranian General Qassem Suleimani and the Iraqi commander of the militia that killed an American last week was a bold and decisive military action made possible by excellent intelligence and the courage of America’s service members,” said Lt. Col. (Ret.) James Carafano, vice president of the Heritage Foundation’s Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy. “His death is a huge loss for Iran’s regime and its Iraqi proxies, and a major operational and psychological victory for the United States,” Carafano added.
From Breitbart:
“Phillip Smyth, an expert at the Washington Institute on Iran-controlled Shia militias and the Middle East, agreed.
“This is a major blow,” he said. “I would argue that this is probably the most major decapitation strike the United States has ever carried out. … This is a man who controlled a transnational foreign legion that was controlling governments in numerous different countries.”
“Smyth said Soleimani had a cult of personality, as well as a unique leadership role in the Iran-controlled Shia militia network.
“He had a hell of a lot of power and a hell of a lot of control,” he said. “You have to be a strong leader in order to get these people to work with you, know how and when to play them off one another, and also know which Iranians do I need within the IRGC-QF, which Lebanese do I need, which Iraqis do I need … that’s not something you can just pick up at a local five and dime. It takes decades of experience.”
Make no mistake – this is bigger than taking out Osama Bin Laden.
— Ranj Alaaldin (@RanjAlaaldin) January 3, 2020
“Several other experts also agreed that Soleimani’s death was even more significant than al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden’s, or Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s.
“The Pentagon indicated that Soleimani’s death would have a significant operational impact.
“General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region,” the Pentagon said in a statement. “This strike was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans. The United States will continue to take all necessary action to protect our people and our interests wherever they are around the world.”
Killing Qasem Solaimani for @realDonaldTrump is bigger and more consequential than that of Baghdadi.
— Bilal Wahab, PhD (@BilalWahab) January 3, 2020
“The Pentagon said Soleimani had orchestrated attacks on U.S.-led coalition bases in Iraq over the last several months, including one on December 27 which killed an American contractor and wounded U.S. service members and Iraqi personnel.
“The Pentagon also said Soleimani approved the attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad that took place earlier this week.
“The group that carried out the December 27 attack, Kata’ib Hizballah, is the same group that pioneered the use of explosively formed penetrators that killed and maimed hundreds of U.S. service members during the Iraq War, according to Smyth.
“Carafano argued that Soleimani’s death should be treated similarly to bin Laden’s. Trump designated the IRGC-Quds Force a foreign terrorist organization in April, essentially labeling Soleimani a terrorist leader.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), led by Suleimani, was responsible for the deaths of more than 600 Americans in Iraq between 2003-2011, and countless more injured. He was a chief architect behind Iran’s continuing reign of terror in the region. This strike against one of the world’s most odious terrorists is no different than the mission which took out Osama bin Laden – it is, in fact, even more justifiable since he was in a foreign country directing terrorist attacks against Americans,” he said.
If you multiply the death of Osama bin Laden and Abu Bakr al Baghdadi you begin to understand the significance of Soleimani’s death.
This man controlled the most powerful state-controlled army of terror.
— Julie Lenarz (@MsJulieLenarz) January 3, 2020
“According to local reports, the U.S. airstrikes also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the leader of the Badr Organization, one of Iraq’s most powerful Iranian-controlled Shia militia groups.
“It’s an incredible two-fer,” Smyth said. “This is another one of those old hands. These guys don’t grow on trees. It takes time.”
“The U.S. airstrikes also reportedly killed the public relations chief for the umbrella group of Iran-controlled Shia militia in Iraq, the Popular Mobilization Forces, Mohammed Ridha Jabri, as well. Smyth said Jabri had some significance to the militia network as a spokesman, but his death would not be of the same significance as Soleimani or al-Muhandis.
Not even 3 days apart. Political hackery at lightspeed. pic.twitter.com/C2J2fBF2cG
— Ben Williamson (@_WilliamsonBen) January 3, 2020
“As for what to expect next, Smyth said a response could come in many forms and in different places and perhaps not be even recognized as a response. But he pushed back against the notion that the U.S. started a war with Iran with the death of Soleimani.
“Iran has been at war with the United States since the Islamic Revolutionary regime took power in Tehran in 1979. To say that we are going to war or that this is yet another American escalation — I think we need to be a little more detailed,” he said.
“He said over the past year, Kata’ib Hizballah, was launching rockets and mortars at Americans in Iraq and eventually killed one.
Iraqis — Iraqis — dancing in the street for freedom; thankful that General Soleimani is no more. pic.twitter.com/huFcae3ap4
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 3, 2020
“Over the past couple of years we’ve had a number of issues in the Gulf, we’ve had a number of issues in different countries, we’ve had international terrorism issues, you name it, you can throw everything at the wall, and the Iranians have in some way been behind some of it. Even arm supplies to the Taliban … so this didn’t just appear in a vacuum because ‘we didn’t like the Iranians,’” he said.
“Carafano said going forward, the Trump administration must keep its maximum pressure strategy in place.
“What the administration must offer now is firm diplomacy backed by the continuing, credible threat of the use of military force. President Trump has wisely shown that he will act with the full powers of his office when American interests are threatened, and the extremist regime in Tehran would be wise to take notice,” he said.”
Proof that doomsday alarmism by pundits & anti-Trump politicians isn’t warranted. Those are Iran’s best allies, more than its Iraqi allies. They embolden Iran & ironically make escalation likely.
For now Iraqis are celebrating still, or staying out of it: https://t.co/xKi56HndXE
— Hassan I. Hassan (@hxhassan) January 3, 2020
They say they identified Soleimani’s remains by the ring he wore. DNA confirmation is pending.
The United States designated Iran’s IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization in April 2019, the first time the United States has designated part of a foreign government as a terror group. “The IRGC FTO designation highlights that Iran is an outlaw regime that uses terrorism as a key tool of statecraft and that the IRGC, part of Iran’s official military, has engaged in terrorist activity or terrorism since its inception 40 years ago,” the State Department announced at the time.
The IRGC was responsible for 17 percent of U.S. personnel deaths in Iraq from 2003 to 2011, which is about 603 deaths, the department said.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is now vowing revenge for America’s actions against the IRGC. Earlier today I heard that we were hardening our assets against the very real possibility of a cyber attack. I would not look for a direct response from Iran but one that would be hard to tie to them. That’s just how they roll. But who knows.
“Years of sincere, brave efforts fighting against the devils & villainous in the world and years of wishing for martyrdom on the path of God finally took the dear Commander of Islam, Soleimani, to this lofty status. His blood was shed by the most barbaric of men,” Khamenei said in a statement posted on Twitter. Evil deflection if you ask me. Khamenei praised Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, calling them martyrs.
Iran never won a war, but never lost a negotiation!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020
Soleimani’s efforts “won’t be stopped by his martyrdom, by God’s Power, rather a Severe Revenge awaits the criminals who have stained their hands with his and the other martyrs’ blood last night. Martyr Soleimani is an international figure of Resistance and all such people will seek revenge,” Khamenei said.
“All friends—and enemies—know that Jihad of Resistance will continue with more motivation and definite victory awaits the fighters on this blessed path. The loss of our dear General is bitter. The continuing fight and ultimate victory will be more bitter for the murderers & criminals.”
….of PROTESTERS killed in Iran itself. While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, Soleimani was both hated and feared within the country. They are not nearly as saddened as the leaders will let the outside world believe. He should have been taken out many years ago!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani added in a Friday statement that the U.S. airstrike was “a villainous and cowardly measure.”
“The great nation of Iran will take revenge for this heinous crime,” he said.
Video show aftermath of deadly US strike that killed Major #GeneralSoleimani#قاسم_سليماني#QasemSoleimani#GeneralSoleimani pic.twitter.com/fYJdIk152Q
— Press TV (@PressTV) January 3, 2020
President Trump said in a statement Friday morning that Soleimani was “directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number of PROTESTERS killed in Iran itself.”
“He should have been taken out many years ago!” he added. I could not agree more.
“Soleimani is our leader,” written under window by Iran-backed militiamen pic.twitter.com/o6CjW08VSi
— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) January 2, 2020
Brigadier General Esmail Qaani was appointed the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force after the United States killed Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad, Iraq. Khamenei appointed Qaani less than 12 hours after Soleimani was killed, reported Radio Farda. Khamenei said in a decree that the new commander is “one of the most distinguished Revolutionary Guard commanders.”
“The orders for the (Quds) force remain exactly as they were during the leadership of martyr Soleimani,” Khamenei said in the decree. “I call on the members of the force to be present and cooperate with General Qaani and wish him divine prosperity, acceptance, and guidance.”
Qaani, a top aide to Soleimani, fought in the Iran-Iraq war and was an intelligence official in the corps. He’s known for his hardline stance against Israel and played a key role in Iran’s involvement in the Syrian civil war, Radio Farda reported. A picture of Qaani wasn’t immediately available.
The US' act of international terrorism, targeting & assassinating General Soleimani—THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation.
The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 3, 2020
The State Department is now urging Americans to leave Iraq. “Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge U.S. citizens to depart Iraq immediately. Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended,” the alert from the department stated. “U.S. citizens should not approach the Embassy.”
President Trump does not want or seek war but he won’t shirk from protecting Americans, our troops, our diplomats, and our allies. By putting us in a position of strength, Iran may stop escalating its move towards all-out war. But if they don’t, the U.S. is ready to engage. As Rumsfeld put it, weakness invites aggression.
“General Qassem Soleimani has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more…but got caught!” Trump tweeted Friday, in his first direct comments about Soleimani’s death and the U.S. airstrike. “He was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number of PROTESTERS killed in Iran itself.”
The flag of General Soleimani in defense of the country's territorial integrity and the fight against terrorism and extremism in the region will be raised, and the path of resistance to US excesses will continue. The great nation of Iran will take revenge for this heinous crime.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) January 3, 2020
“While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, Soleimani was both hated and feared within the country,” he continued. “They are not nearly as saddened as the leaders will let the outside world believe. He should have been taken out many years ago!”
As for Iraqi citizens… many were dancing in the streets having heard this monster is dead. Trump has indeed called the Ayatollah’s bluff but this is just the beginning and not the end of our dance with Iran.
To the Iranian government: If you want to stay in the oil business leave America and our allies alone and stop being the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 3, 2020
#Iraq: Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, we urge U.S. citizens to depart Iraq immediately. Due to Iranian-backed militia attacks at the U.S. Embassy compound, all consular operations are suspended. U.S. citizens should not approach the Embassy. pic.twitter.com/rdRce3Qr4a
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) January 3, 2020
Ayatollah Khamenei says “harsh revenge awaits the criminals” who killed Soleimani…"the path of Resistance will continue, and definite victory awaits the mujahideen on this this blessed path”. He also declared 3 days of national mourning.
— Alex Marquardt (@MarquardtA) January 3, 2020
Hard to understate how big this is
• Qassem Suleimani is Iran’s most powerful mil figure in Region
• He runs Iran’s proxies in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq
• Both men designated by US as Terrorist
• Muhandis was at US embassy attack protest, calls himself “Suleimani soldier”— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) January 3, 2020
Worth reading. This scumbag has more blood on his hands than anyone else in the region. https://t.co/WNLdC5emZc
— David Reaboi, Late Republic Nonsense (@davereaboi) January 3, 2020
Over 8 months, Iran shot down a US drone, seized foreign flagged vessels in the Strait, including including NATO ships, executed a multi-drone strike on a Saudi petrol facility, and has been targeting US positions in Iraq with rockets for weeks. This is retaliatory and overdue. https://t.co/ImeaC2lo30
— Noah Rothman (@NoahCRothman) January 3, 2020
According the the Obama Department of Defense, Qasem Soleimani was a terrorist directly responsible for the murder of over 500 US service men & women. Why are congressional Dems outraged that he’s finally dead? See more: https://t.co/7MrD4tyM5y https://t.co/cKYSPLSLmj
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 3, 2020
Perhaps it would have been a better idea to send him $1.7 billion in unmarked bills, in pallets on planes in the dead of night, so he could kill more Americans? https://t.co/t5Mj2SMyq5
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 3, 2020