President Trump and his administration made it clear to Iraq’s government that American personnel in the country are expected to be kept safe in the wake of the embassy attack in Baghdad.
Trump declared in a tweet Tuesday morning that “we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!”
U.S. lawmakers have also urged Iraq to cooperate after Iraqi Shiite militiamen and those supporting them set upon the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, smashing the door and setting a fire as protests escalated over U.S. airstrikes over the weekend.
Trump blamed Iran for the embassy assault but defended the airstrike, which killed members of the Iran-backed militia, saying the U.S> “strongly responded” to another attack which killed an American contractor.
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 spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi and, in a separate phone call, with Iraq’s President Barham Salih on Tuesday. Pompeo reportedly “made clear the United States will protect and defend its people, who are there to support a sovereign and independent Iraq,” according to a statement from State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus.
The Iraqi leaders “assured the secretary that they took seriously their responsibility and would guarantee the safety and security of U.S. personnel and property,” Ortagus added.
In a “show of force,” flares were dropped to disperse the protesting crowd by a U.S. Apache helicopter gunship and Marines were being sent to the embassy for extra security, a U.S. defense official told Fox News.
The Iraqi National Security Council had initially condemned the U.S. airstrikes in a statement, saying it “considers it a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.”
“This is a serious violation of the rules of engagement of the Coalition forces, including the US forces, in carrying out operations without the approval of the Iraqi Government,” the statement said, prompting responses from the administration.
We responded defensively to the Iranian proxy attack that killed an American citizen and wounded American and Iraqi soldiers. Now, Iranian backed groups are threatening our Embassy in Baghdad.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 31, 2019
Sen. Lindsey Graham challenged Iraq in a series of tweets, while defending Trump’s actions and applauding him for “acting decisively,” and adding that “there will be no Benghazis on his watch.”
Very proud of President @realDonaldTrump acting decisively in the face of threats to our embassy in Baghdad.
He has put the world on notice – there will be no Benghazis on his watch.
(1/4)
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 31, 2019
The South Carolina Republican was referring to the 2012 attack on the U.S. compound in Libya where four Americans were killed during the Obama administration.
Graham pointed a finger at Iran with a very clear message to “be careful what you wish for,” warning the Islamic nation to “choose your battles wisely” as Trump, unlike Obama, would not let threats against Americans go unchallenged.
To the Iranian government:
Be careful what you wish for — a country that depends on the ability to refine oil for its existence needs to be cautious.
(2/4)
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 31, 2019
President Trump, unlike President Obama, will hold you accountable for threats against Americans and hit you where it hurts the most.
Choose your battles wisely.
(3/4)
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 31, 2019
In a final word to Iraq, Graham urged the nation’s leaders to step up and show that “the US-Iraq relationship is meaningful to you and worth protecting.”
To our Iraqi allies:
This is your moment to convince the American people the US-Iraq relationship is meaningful to you and worth protecting.
Protect our American personnel. You will not regret it.
(4/4)
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 31, 2019
Following a meeting with the president, Graham expressed that Trump expects Iraq “to step up to the plate.”
Just had a very good meeting with President @realDonaldTrump and his team regarding the situation in Iraq.
President Trump is determined to protect American personnel and expects our Iraqi partners to step up to the plate. No more Benghazis.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 31, 2019
Even those on the other side of the U.S. political aisle pressed Iraq to do its part in protecting Americans in the country.
The storming of our embassy in Baghdad by protestors and Iran-backed militias is deeply disturbing.
The first priority is the safety of our personnel. Iraq has an obligation to protect them.
Once secure, we need to be clear-eyed about reducing tensions and the path forward. https://t.co/xKfNwdl0CQ
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) December 31, 2019
The president addressed Iraqi demonstrators who have been protesting their government for months in a separate tweet.
To those many millions of people in Iraq who want freedom and who don’t want to be dominated and controlled by Iran, this is your time!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
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