2 ARMED DRONES INTERCEPTED AS APPROACHING IRAQI BASE HOUSING U. S. TROOPS: REPORT
Wednesday’s strikes were part of a series of attacks in the region that began Monday, the anniversary of Soleimani’s death at the hands of a U. S. drone strike in Baghdad. Soleimani is a beloved figure in much of Iran and at the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force. Prior to his death, the Quds Force had been on the U. S. terrorist equipment list since 2007, and Soleimani, long regarded as Iran’s spy master, commanded forces that continually attacked and killed U. S. and coalition forces in Iraq.
Coalition forces in Syria responded to the attack by firing six artillery shells at a point where intelligence indicated the attack originated, which is located right outdoors in the city of Mayadeen, a stronghold known to Iranian-backed fighters.
Military officials said that “Iranian-backed malign actors shot array . . . from civilian infrastructure without concern for civilian security. “
“The Coalition reserves the right to preserve and marry forces opposed to any threat, and will continue to do everything in its power to one’s forces,” said Maj. Gen. John W. Brennan, Jr. , who commands the syria task force. he said in a statement.
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The attack in Iraq came two days after two armed drones for a base housing U. S. troops were shot down on Monday, and two more armed drones were destroyed on Tuesday.
Although the United States has officially ended its project to fight ISIS in Iraq, a force of 2,500 troops remains in the country to advise the Iraqi army. Pro-Iranian Shiite teams have vowed to continue attacks on U. S. forces until they leave the country altogether. in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani in the United States.
Michael Lee is a member of Fox News. Follow him on Twitter @UAMichaelLee