Supporters of an Iran-backed militia have attacked the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq just two days after the U.S. carried out airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Kataeb Hezbollahin in retaliation for the killing of a U.S. contractor near Kirkuk, Iraq on Friday. The militia also injured four U.S. troops and two members of the Iraqi Security Forces. The protesters were shouting, "Death to America!" as they stormed the U.S. compound on Tuesday.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) shared a video of a dozen military guards at the embassy courageously remaining in place as the attack continued, and asked his followers to pray for them.
Pray for these brave young Americans who remain at their post at the Embassy in Baghdad while an Iranian directed mob attacks the embassy.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 31, 2019
The U.S. should employ whatever it takes to secure their safety & the safety of all Americans inside the compound. https://t.co/0H3Epo5g7c
Rubio added that he knows exactly who's behind today's attack, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and that they are "not above carrying out false flag sniper fire against its own militia surrogates or even bystanders in order to have the U.S. blamed."
It’s beyond dispute that these Shia militias in #Iraq aren’t just “backed” by #Iran, they are directed & controlled by them. Any attacks by them are the direct work of Iran’s #IRGC
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 31, 2019
Last April the Trump administration officially designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization, the first time that the U.S. had ever named a part of another government as such.
"This unprecedented step, led by the Department of State, recognizes the reality that Iran is not only a State Sponsor of Terrorism, but that the IRGC actively participates in, finances, and promotes terrorism as a tool of statecraft," the president's statement read. "The IRGC is the Iranian government’s primary means of directing and implementing its global terrorist campaign.
"This action sends a clear message to Tehran that its support for terrorism has serious consequences."
President Trump emphasized that point after the New Year's Eve attack, warning the regime that it will be held fully responsible.
Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended the U.S. airstrikes against the Iran-backed militia on Monday, explaining that they were a "defensive action" intended to protect American interests in the Middle East and deter Iran.
This is the only way to get their attention, Sen. Rubio explained.
Argument from #Iraq govt (& some in U.S.)that we brought embassy attack on ourselves by striking #Iran’s proxies is garbage
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 31, 2019
They’ve been firing at us for weeks & killed an American
We should just let them continue without responding in only language these people understand?