<p>Iran has launched multiple surface to surface missiles, apparently from inside Iran, toward U.S. bases including Ain al-Asad in Anbar province in western Iraq. Apparently, other sites have been targeted as well, as many as 30 ballistic missiles.</p>
<p>This attack is in retaliation for the killing of the terrorist, Iranian Quds Force General Qassem Soleimani. Officials from Iran have been threatening such a retaliation since his death.</p>
<p>While a revenge strike was expected, this attack is an escalation of tension, since the attacks are coming from within Iran. The rules of engagement dictate that a proper U.S. response would be to destroy the source of the missiles, which would involve an incursion into sovereign Irani territory.</p>
<p>According to Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham, &#8220;We are aware of the reports of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq. The president has been briefed and is monitoring the situation closely and consulting with his national security team.&#8221;</p>
<p>Iranian television has stated that &#8220;tens of missiles&#8221; were fired by Islamic Revolution Guards Corps into the U.S. Media reports say 10 missiles hit al-Asad airbase. “The fierce revenge by the Revolutionary Guards has begun,” said the IRCG.</p>
<p>No information is yet available as to U.S. casualties or damages caused. It is also unknown if this is a single strike or the beginning of a larger effort.</p>
<p><strong>Author&#8217;s note: </strong> The magnitude of the U.S. response may depend on American casualties. If there are American&#8217;s dead, the response will be huge. If no Americans were killed then our response will be more measured.</p>