As tensions continue to rise between Iran and the United States after the killing of Iran’s major general Qasem Soleimani, fears of an all-out war have been keeping most of the world on edge as both countries continue hostile threats against one another. However, it would appear that things may have escalated even further, as reported by various sources today (8th January 2020).
Just earlier today, Iran was reported to have launched a dozen ballistic missiles towards US military and coalition forces in Iraq in retaliation for what they describe of as the ‘murder’ of Qasem, who perished during a drone strike, as reported by NPR.
News outlets over Twitter have since reported that the United States Air Force has already begun deploying their units, with many planes seen leaving their bases from the UAE. Ranj Alaaldin, a Fellow of the Brookings Institution Doha has Tweeted that Iran and the US Air Force has just been deployed, while The Global Times have also corroborated these reports.
According to Ranj, Iranian media has that over 30 US soldiers have been killed during the missile strike. However, the US have yet to report any of their own casualties, according to CBS News.
Reports by NBC News Tehran Bureau Chief and correspondent Ali Arouzi also claim that Iran has deployed its own air force, with many Iranian jets having been seen entering Iraqi airspace, close to where two bases are housing US troops.
A Tweet has also shown what are allegedly fighter jets flying overhead, which corroborates claims that either nation’s air force has been deployed.
As for the moment, media outlets are all on high-alert for the possibility of a full-scale war erupting between both nations. We will keep this story updated as the situation progresses.
Also read: “We are no longer safe now,” Tun M Speaks Out After Trump Nearly Starts World War 3 With Iran