US on the brink LIVE: Updates as Iran launches 12 missiles at American base

Missiles have struck multiple locations in Iraq where the US military are reportedly based. It is believed the attack is in retaliation for US President Donald Trump’s assassination of Iran’s General Qasem Soleimani.

Follow below for live updates…

1.15am update: Iran’s IRGC issues chilling warning to the US

Tehran warned Washington against any more provocation. 

According to the Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC said in a statement: “We warn the Great Satan, the bloodthirsty and arrogant regime of the US, that any new wicked act or more moves and aggressions (against Iran) will bring about more painful and crushing responses.”

The statement added: “We are warning all US allies who gave their bases to its terrorist army that any territory that in any way becomes the starting point of hostile and aggressive acts against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted.

“We in no way consider the Zionist regime (of Israel) to be separated from the criminal US regime in these crimes.”

1.07am update: Iraqi source says there are casualties

An Iraqi source told CNN that there are casualitues among Iraqi forces at the Al-asad airbase. 

However, there is still now word on US casualities.

1am update: Photo from local sources shows an unexploded missile near airport

An image posted by Rudaw Media Network in Kurdistan shows an unexploded missile near Erbil International airport.

12.57am update: Trump to address the nation later on today

US President Donald Trump is expected to address the nation later on tonight, according to CNN. 

12.50am update: Pentagon confirms attack on US military bases in Iraq

“At approximately 5.30pm (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq.

“It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil.

“We are working on initial battle damage and assessment.

“In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defence has taken all appropriate measures to safeguard our personnel and partners.

“These bases have been on high alert due to indications that the Iranian regime planned to attack our forces and interesting in the region.

“As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region.

“Due to the dynamic nature of the situation, we will continue to provide updates as they become available.”

12.45am update: Locations of attacks revealed 

Tehran reportedly launched multiple attacks at US targets across Iraq including Erbil in northern Iraq and the al-Assad air base in western Iraq.

A Kurdish local told the Daily Mirror: “We have been waiting for this – there was a big explosion in Erbil now and everyone believes the war has started.

“This is what we have all feared would happen. We don’t know what it is but it was very loud.”

12.30am update: Iran takes credit for devastating rocket attack

Iran has now taken credit for the rocket attack that hit the al-Asad airbase in Iraq which housed US troops. 

Iran are reportedly calling the attack Operation Martyr Soleimani, accoridng to the Mirror Online. 

Iranian state television reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or IRGC “hit US Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq with tens of missiles.”

The IGRC also warned the US of more “crushing responses in case of new aggression,” according to state TV. The IRGC also said it will target any regional state that becomes a platform for US aggression. 

source: express.co.uk