In an official statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the wake of the US strike in Baghdad that killed top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, India said it was “vital” to not let the situation “escalate” any further.
The MEA said, “We have noted that a senior Iranian leader has been killed by the US. The increase in tension has alarmed the world. Peace, stability and security in this region is of utmost importance to India. It is vital that the situation does not escalate further. India has consistently advocated restraint and continues to do so.”
Soleimani was killed… in US airstrikes at Baghdad’s international airport where a Hashed convoy was hit, which killed eight “important figures”.
Meanwhile, the US embassy in Iraq also released an advisory, asking US citizens to leave the country immediately with whatever means possible and to avoid the US embassy in Baghdad.
Asking US nationals in Iraq to keep an eye on the local and international media for updates, the advisory said: “Due to heightened tensions in Iraq and the region, the U.S. Embassy urges American citizens to heed the January 2020 Travel Advisory and depart Iraq immediately. U.S. citizens should depart via airline while possible, and failing that, to other countries via land. The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil is open for visa and American Citizen Services appointments, including passport issuance.”
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei condemned the attack and warned of “severe revenge”.
Iran’s foreign minister also termed the attack as “ Foolish” and a “Dangerous” escalation.
The US' act of international terrorism, targeting & assassinating General Soleimani—THE most effective force fighting Daesh (ISIS), Al Nusrah, Al Qaeda et al—is extremely dangerous & a foolish escalation.
The US bears responsibility for all consequences of its rogue adventurism.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 3, 2020
The US president, Donald Trump, tweeted after the attack:
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2020
The attack comes after a pro-Iran mob laid siege to the US embassy following deadly American airstrikes on a hardline Hashed Faction. Hashed is a shiite armed unit with close association with Iran, though they have been officially operating as Iraq’s state security forces.