国际英语新闻:Iran launches missiles at U.S. airbase in Iraq in retaliation for killing of commander

BAGHDAD/WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Iran said Wednesday it has launched missile attack on the U.S. military base of al-Asad in Iraq's Anbar province following the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani.

"Tens of surface-to-surface missiles" were fired at the strategic airbase," said Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in a statement carried by Iranian state TV.

The IRGC attack comes after Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, was killed in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad International Airport on Friday.

In the statement, the IRGC called for a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, saying that it would not differentiate between the U.S. and Israel in retaliating the assassination of the Iranian national "hero."

"We in no way consider the Zionist regime (of Israel) to be separated from the criminal U.S. regime in these crimes," read the IRGC statement.

"We warn U.S. allies providing bases for the (American) terrorist army ... that any country serving as the origin of bellicose and aggressive attacks in any form against the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted," it said.

The IRGC warned the United States that "any new wicked act or more moves and aggressions (against Iran) will bring about more painful and crushing responses."

The IRGC further urged the American people to call for the return of U.S. forces from the region in order to prevent further losses and not to allow Washington put the lives of American troops at risk any more.

The Pentagon has confirmed Iran's launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq.

"At approximately 5:30 p.m. (EST) on January 7, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against U.S. military and coalition forces in Iraq," the Pentagon said in a statement.

These missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting U.S. military and coalition personnel at al-Asad and Irbil, the statement added.

The bases have been on high alert due to indications that Iran planned to attack the U.S. forces and interests in the region, it noted.

The Pentagon also pointed out that it would take all necessary measures to protect and defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the region.