President Trump has approved sending more troops to guard the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, which came under siege by so-called “mourners” whose gathering outside the walls of the embassy turned into violent attacks and penetrated of the embassy property.
The “mourners,” shouting “Down, Down USA!” were reportedly members of an Iranian backed Shia military group, which staged the protest with the attack in mind. The fiery attack was done reportedly in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes against Iranian targets after the killing of a U.S. contractor.
Iran backed militia fighters organized a violent siege on the US embassy in Iraq, in a direct declaration of war against the United States.
Trump must not respond lightly to Iran. pic.twitter.com/yB5Qa6ZrKp
— Michael Coudrey (@MichaelCoudrey) December 31, 2019
The American Embassy in Baghdad is the largest one in the U.S. portfolio, measuring 100 acres. It’s a sprawling, walled compound on the banks of the Tigris River:
American Embassy in Baghdad (Google Earth/Screenshot)
Defense Secretary Mark Esper issued an order sending more troops to secure the embassy:
We have taken appropriate force protection actions to ensure the safety of American citizens, military personnel and diplomats in country, and to ensure our right of self-defense. We are sending additional forces to support our personnel at the Embassy.
— Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) December 31, 2019
He, as well as President Trump, reminded Iraqi military authorities that it was up to them to supply security to the embassy:
As in all countries, we rely on host nation forces to assist in the protection of our personnel in country, & we call on the Gov't of Iraq to fulfill its international responsibilities to do so. The US continues to support the Iraqi people & a free, sovereign, & prosperous Iraq.
— Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) December 31, 2019
There’s no question that as President Trump confronts this threat he is keeping in mind the flaccid response by President, Jimmy Carter to the 1979 takeover and hostage-taking at the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran, and the notorious attack of the U.S. Mission in Benghazi, Libya, with President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton leaving Americans to die in a prolonged terror attack.
Here’s some video that is reported to be from the attack on the embassy. But like anything in the Middle East, there’s always a chance there’s a little Pallywood going on here:
Protesters Storm And Breach US Embassy In Baghdad Iraq
Thousands of “Protesters” in Baghdad Have Stormed And Breached The US Embassy
Posted by CSC Media Group US on Tuesday, December 31, 2019
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