US "Imminent Threat Targeting US Diplomats and Troops in Syria and Middle East"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] On the 3rd (local time), U.S. authorities revealed that there was an imminent threat targeting Americans in the Middle East regions including Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria, related to the elimination of Qasem Soleimani, commander of the elite Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, the highest military official in Iran.

They also claimed that Soleimani attempted an attack on Washington DC but failed. If it is true that Soleimani targeted Washington DC, the U.S. action can be interpreted as a punitive and preemptive strike.

President Donald Trump held a press conference at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on the same day, stating, "Soleimani was plotting imminent and evil attacks against American diplomats and military personnel, but we caught him on the spot and ended it." He added, "This was not the start of a war but an action to stop one," emphasizing that it was a defensive measure.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said in interviews with CNN and Fox News, "He (Soleimani) was acting as he said, actively planning to take major actions in the region," adding, "This would have endangered the lives of dozens of Americans, if not hundreds."

He particularly asserted, "The threat here in the U.S. is also real," claiming, "Soleimani was involved in the Beirut bombing in Lebanon and, not long ago, organized an attack right here in Washington." He continued, "That did not succeed. Ultimately, it failed," but "it was him. The same person."

Furthermore, he repeatedly insisted that Soleimani was a "bad actor" and that his elimination was a deterrent against an imminent attack.

Pompeo also emphasized that this series of actions was based on assessments from intelligence agencies.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley told some reporters on the same day that there was credible intelligence and clear, unmistakable evidence that Soleimani was planning a significant violent military operation targeting the U.S. within days, weeks, or months, CNN reported.

When asked if the threat was imminent, Chairman Milley responded, "Absolutely," asserting that multiple threats were emerging.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.