U.S. drone kills Qasem Soleimani, top IRGC commander

In a drone strike near Baghdad International Airport early on January 3, the U.S. military kills General Qasem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force. Soleimani, widely regarded as one of Irans most powerful and important officials, has orchestrated Iranian military operations throughout the Middle East. The Pentagon statement says Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. Also killed in the strike is Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, leader of an Iran-backed militia. The strike, ordered by President Trump, dramatically escalates U.S.-Iran tensions. Iran announces retaliation and vows to drive U.S. forces from the region.