Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued a statement on Tuesday after it was confirmed the Iranian military launched ballistic missiles at bases in Iraq where American troops are stationed.
Saying she was "closely monitoring the situation" in the Middle East, Pelosi said, "We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence."
Closely monitoring the situation following bombings targeting U.S. troops in Iraq. We must ensure the safety of our servicemembers, including ending needless provocations from the Administration and demanding that Iran cease its violence. America & world cannot afford war.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 8, 2020
Shortly before her tweet was posted, it was reported Pelosi was at an opening of a restaurant.
Nancy Pelosi at Danny Meyer’s Maialino Mare opening in Navy Yard. pic.twitter.com/OMkVtxeEEk
— Anna Spiegel (@AnnaSpiegs) January 8, 2020
Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan Hoffman confirmed the missile strike in a statement.
"At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. 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 U.S. military and coalition personnel at Al-Assad and Irbil," he said.
Hoffman explained the U.S. military is working on initial battle damage assessments.
"In recent days and in response to Iranian threats and actions, the Department of Defense 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 interests in the region," he added. "As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region."
The missile attack is in retaliation for President Trump ordering the U.S. military to kill General Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, and Kataib Hezbollah leader Abu Mahdi al-Mohandes in a U.S. airstrike while they were in a car at the Baghdad International Airport.
The Pentagon said Soleimani was in the country to carry out more attacks against Americans in the region. Iranian-backed militias were under Soleimani's orders to attack the American Embassy in Baghdad on New Year's Eve.
