BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Pentagon says the U.S. military has killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, at the direction of President Donald Trump.
An airstrike killed Soleimani, the architect of Iran's regional security apparatus at Baghdad’s international airport, Friday, Iranian state television and three Iraqi officials said.
The attack is expected to draw severe Iranian retaliation against Israel and American interests. The Defense Department said Soleimani “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region."
Some Georgia leaders are commenting on the airstrike.
"Tonight’s attack on Qasem Soleimani—who is responsible for killing countless Americans—sends a strong message: Don’t mess with America," Congressman Doug Collins said in a tweet.
Sen. David Perdue said "justice has been served" with the operation.
Congressman Tom Graves also tweeted a comment.
"In response to continued Iranian-directed attacks, POTUS & our military leaders were clear: attacks against our own will not go unanswered," Graves said. "God bless the U.S. Military. God bless the USA."
Congressman Hank Johnson, a Democrat, said the action recklessly brings the nation closer to war.
The strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy commander of Iran-backed militias in Iraq known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, Iraqi officials said.
Rep. Barry Loudermilk added that Soleimani had "committed atrocities around the world including the deaths of hundreds of American soldiers" during the war in Iraq.
"@realDonaldTrump has again shown that America will not stand idly by when Americans are put in harms way. #USA," he added.
Rep. Austin Scott said "Iran has used proxies to attack and kill American soldiers" for years. With Soleimani's death, he said the nation "must be prepared for any retaliatory actions."
Rep. Buddy Carter called Soleimani a terrorist, saying he had "American blood on his hands."
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