Video released by the U.S. Marine Corps shows Iranian militiamen throwing fireworks and molotov cocktails at the American Embassy compound in Iraq. The molotov cocktails that were thrown over the wall managed to set parked vehicles on fire.
Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response - Central Command were promptly sent to Baghdad after the Iranian militias breached the International Zone of Baghdad, known as the Green Zone, on Tuesday. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines and were forward deployed in Kuwait.
In addition to the Marine task force, President Trump ordered 750 Army Paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division to be deployed to the Middle East in case more support is needed in Iraq or the surrounding region. The U.S. military announced order had been restored by Thursday as the Iranian militias withdrew from the Green Zone.
VIDEO: We called in the ?? Air Cav @1stCavalryDiv, #Marines, & Iraqi Security Forces @SecMedCell, then the Kata’ib Hezbollah attackers went away. ???All quiet today at @USEmbBaghdad. The @CJTFOIR remains focused on partnering with Iraqis to crush ISIS remnants. pic.twitter.com/U7ZSxiLJYt
— OIR Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III (@OIRSpox) January 2, 2020
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley told reporters that if Iran continues to send militiamen to attack the American Embassy, they "will run into a buzzsaw."
Story TK, but @thejointstaff Gen. Mark Milley just said any further attacks on @USEmbBaghdad “will run into a buzzsaw.” Defense Secretary @EsperDoD said US has received indications that more Iranian-backed attacks are coming, US may conduct preemptive strikes if necessary pic.twitter.com/jR3jOH1kZF
— Tara Copp (@TaraCopp) January 2, 2020
"To Iran and its proxy militias: we will not accept continued attacks against our personnel and forces in the region. Attacks against us will be met with responses in the time, manner, and place of our choosing. We urge the Iranian regime to end their malign activities," Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said in a statement on Thursday.
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