Military tensions continue between the United States and the Middle East

In retaliation to President Donald Trump’s decision to kill Qassem Soleimani, the former leader of Iran’s elite military and intelligence force, Iran launched 15 missiles at two United States military targets January 7. Ten of the missiles hit al-Asad airbase, one missile hit Erbil in northern Iraq and four missiles failed to hit. 

No American casualties were reported as a result of the bombing and Iraq’s prime minister reported zero Iraqian casualties. Iran has threatened to launch an attack inside of the United States if the American government retaliates to this assault. Iran has also promised to attack the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and the city Haifa in Israel if Iranian soil is bombed.

The tensions between Iraq and the United States have led United States allies to start leaving Baghdad, with Canada pulling out some of its 500 troops and Germany lowering their military presence in Iraq.