War Iran-United States Military Crisis of 2020 - US Baghdad embassy under siege, rocket fire in US Baghdad green zone, Ukrainian Airlines flight 752 crash, and more!

January 10th:
Exclusive: Informants in Iraq, Syria helped U.S. kill Iran's Soleimani - sources (archive)(post)
Iraqi Shia cleric whose militia killed American troops says crisis is over following Iran strike and Trump speech (archive)(post)
Iraqi PM tells US to decide mechanism for troop withdrawal (archive)(post)
Mike Pence says Congress might 'compromise sources and methods' if fully briefed on the Soleimani strike (archive)(post)
Unidentified planes hit Iraqi militiamen in Syria, killing 8 (archive)(post)
Iraq: The Master Of Mayhem Meets A Missile (archive)(post)
Eliminating Qasem Soleimani was Donald Trump’s Middle East farewell letter (archive)(post)
Iran uses BULLDOZERS to clear debris from plane crash site while accusing US of ‘big lie’ that they shot it down (archive)(post)
Swiss Back Channel Helped Defuse U.S.-Iran Crisis (post)

January 11th:
UKRAINIAN AIRCRAFT WAS BROUGHT DOWN IN IRAN DUE TO 'HUMAN ERROR' (archive)(post)
Iran minister says 'human error' caused by 'US adventurism' led to deadly crash of Ukrainian jetliner (archive)(post)
Ukrainian aircraft was brought down in Iran due to 'human error' (archive)(post)
Trump, at Ohio rally, says Democrats would have leaked Soleimani attack plans (archive)(post)
The Atlantic's David Frum blames Trump for downing of plane in Iran, deaths of 176 (archive)(post)
Associated Press changes ‘shockingly bad’ headline about Soleimani, Ukrainian plane crash after backlash (archive)(post)
GOP Rep. Doug Collins apologizes for saying Democrats are 'in love with terrorists' (archive)(post)
Iran demands West 'show findings' as new video reveals aircraft was struck before fiery crash (archive)(post)
Warren town hall interrupted by angry protester accusing her of ‘siding with terrorists’ (archive)(post)
Trump administration announces new sanctions on Iran (archive)(post)
Prepare For the Worst From Iran Cyber Attacks, As DHS Issues Warning: Experts (archive)(post)
Trump tells Fox News' Laura Ingraham 'four embassies' were targeted in imminent threat from Iran (archive)(post)
Trump tweets support for Iranian protesters as they demand Khamenei quit (archive)(post)
Trump warns Iran against ‘another massacre’ as protests flare over downed jet (archive)(post)

January 12th:
Trump tweet in Farsi 'the most liked Persian tweet' in history of Twitter (archive)(post)
Iraq warned to keep US troops or risk financial blow-WSJ (archive)(post)
Iran arrests UK ambassador in what Britain calls ‘flagrant violation of international law’ (archive)(post)

January 13th:
Trump authorized Soleimani's killing 7 months ago, with conditions (archive)(post)

edit: This is a WIP. All links are posted in the order they appear in the thread, not in chronological order of their publication.


---Original OP before the merge---
Iraqi supporters of Iran-backed militia attack US Embassy
https://apnews.com/75228a8a607a44863b57021ac33264dc (http://archive.vn/ljm9Y)

By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA12 minutes ago

BAGHDAD (AP) — Dozens of angry Iraqi Shiite militia supporters broke into the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad on Tuesday after smashing a main door and setting fire to a reception area, prompting tear gas and sounds of gunfire.

An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw flames rising from inside the compound and at least three U.S. soldiers on the roof of the main building inside embassy. It was not clear what caused the fire at the reception area near the parking lot of the compound. A man on a loudspeaker urged the mob not to enter the compound, saying: “The message was delivered.”

The embassy attack followed deadly U.S. airstrikes on Sunday that killed 25 fighters of the Iran-backed militia in Iraq, the Kataeb Hezbollah. The U.S. military said it was in retaliation for last week’s killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack on an Iraqi military base that it had blamed on the militia.

Dozens of protesters marched inside the compound after smashing the gate used by cars to enter the embassy. The protesters, many in militia uniform, stopped in a corridor after about 5 meters (16 feet), and were only about 200 meters away from the main building. Half a dozen U.S. soldiers were seen on the roof of the main building, their guns were pointed at the protesters.

Smoke from the tear gas rose in the area, and at least three of the protesters appeared to have difficulties breathing. It wasn’t immediately known whether the embassy staff had remained inside the main building.

The protesters hanged a poster on the wall: “America is an aggressor.”

Shouting “Down, Down USA,” the crowd tried to push inside the embassy grounds, hurling water and stones over its walls. They raised yellow militia flags and taunted the embassy’s security staff who remained behind the glass windows in the gates’ reception area. They sprayed graffiti on the wall and windows in red in support of the Kataeb Hezbollah militia: “Closed in the name of the resistance.”

Hundreds of angry protesters, some in militia uniforms, set up tents outside the embassy. As tempers rose, the mob set fire to three trailers used by security guards along the embassy wall.

No one was immediately reported hurt in the rampage and security staff had withdrawn to inside the embassy earlier, soon after protesters gathered outside.

The U.S. attack — the largest targeting an Iraqi state-sanctioned militia in recent years — and the subsequent calls by the militia for retaliation, represent a new escalation in the proxy war between the U.S. and Iran playing out in the Middle East.

Tuesday’s attempted embassy storming took place after mourners and supporters held funerals for the militia fighters killed in a Baghdad neighborhood, after which they marched on to the heavily fortified Green Zone and kept walking till they reached the sprawling U.S. Embassy there.

AP journalists then saw the crowd as they tried to scale the walls of the embassy, in what appeared to be an attempt to storm it, shouting “Down, down USA!” and “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.”

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday’s strikes send the message that the U.S. will not tolerate actions by Iran that jeopardize American lives.

The Iranian-backed Iraqi militia had vowed Monday to retaliate for the U.S. military strikes. The attack and vows for revenge raised concerns of new attacks that could threaten American interests in the region.

The U.S. attack also outraged both the militias and the Iraqi government, which said it will reconsider its relationship with the U.S.-led coalition — the first time it has said it will do so since an agreement was struck to keep some U.S. troops in the country. It called the attack a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty.

In a partly televised meeting Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi told Cabinet members that he had tried to stop the U.S. operation “but there was insistence” from American officials.

The U.S. military said “precision defensive strikes” were conducted against five sites of Kataeb Hezbollah, or Hezbollah Brigades in Iraq and Syria. The group, which is a separate force from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, operates under the umbrella of the state-sanctioned militias known collectively as the Popular Mobilization Forces. Many of them are supported by Iran.

.

 

[thx1138]

Sucks to be Iran tonight.

They launched an attack on US/Iraqi bases, to absolutely zero effect (maybe some Iraqis injured? I hope not.)
5.0 strength earthquake in-country
Major airliner crash/possible blue-on-blue shootdown.

 

[Regu]

Well, for the better part of the last decade Russia has been slowly annexing the Ukraine. It's more or less theirs in their minds, which makes the attack one on their own citizens unless a major Ukrainian official was on it. If Russia was ever going to wash their hands of Iran, this would be the excuse they would need after already telling them to pound sand when they went crying to the UN. If Russia wants to convey the idea that they have the soon-to-be former Ukrainian people's interests at heart, a strategic strike and/or coordination with the US would be a good way to do so and also be hilarious.

Maybe Iran was convinced some US glow-in-the-dark got onto the Ukrainian plane. Maybe they're just going all-in on the whole national suicide. Maybe my dream of the US and Russia tag-teaming the school shooter of the sandbox will come true. Only time will tell.

Speaking as a Russian who did actually fight in Ukraine I have to agree, the best way to play the game in there would be for Russia and the Rebels to start claiming that they will do what the Ukrainian government won't, protect the Ukrainian people from foreign enemies.

 

[Martys_not_smarty]

RIP, all souls lost.

Here is the trajectory for anyone who wants to see.

View attachment 1088017

Oh sweet Jesus it's a 737, I shit you not but earlier today getting off work and CCD's Traveling Band was on the radio it's a sign people.

 

[Jump]

I am not on my normal machine. Can someone archive this vid quick?

Breaking911 on Twitter

“#BREAKING: Video posted by local journalists appears to show doomed Boeing 737 barreling toward the ground in Iran https://t.co/bPL6AWQFVw https://t.co/MY9SGkfn07”

twitter.com

 

[Oh Long Johnson]

Whether that be economically or by pushing the US and NATO for support.

Wouldn't the Russians absolutely lose their minds if that came to pass?

 

[Sam Losco]

Breaking911 on Twitter

“#BREAKING: Video posted by local journalists appears to show doomed Boeing 737 barreling toward the ground in Iran https://t.co/bPL6AWQFVw https://t.co/MY9SGkfn07”

twitter.com

Should have done this before, but here's a local copy, just in case and so people don't have to visit Twitter:

 

[Coleslaw]

But they are clearly agents of the Great Satan with their alcohol, entertainment districts, amusement parks, shopping malls and other signs of a healthy economy and reasonably free people. Muslims are not supposed to lead enjoyable happy lives. Doing so might start giving Iranian citizens inconvenient ideas.

Dubai is why I maintain Rhodesia could have succeeded if it had more whites. Nobody gives a shit about what the Indian migrant workers feel or get treated (hint, like shit).

 

[LetThemEatCake]

Oof, that's a nice big fireball. RIP poor passengers and crew.

 

[WonderWino]

Sucks to be Iran tonight.

They launched an attack on US/Iraqi bases, to absolutely zero effect (maybe some Iraqis injured? I hope not.)
5.0 strength earthquake in-country
Major airliner crash/possible blue-on-blue shootdown.

After realizing all of that, nancy pelosi was caught on video doing the lahey dance in her office to try to bring about peace between the US and iran. Secret footage below:

 

[RodgerDodger]

Should have done this before, but here's a local copy, just in case and so people don't have to visit Twitter:
View attachment 1088054

Is anyone else thinking "small manportable IR Heat Seeker" took out one engine? Somebody panic'd and took a shot.

 

[Jump]

Iran is turning out to be quite exceptional.

 

[Thornforg]

What a beautiful dream you have. and also a decent explaining why Russia would care, so thanks for that first bit. but more importantly. what a beautiful dream.

Russia hasn't been a real 'bad guy' since the collapse of the USSR. On average, Russians are more compatible with Americans than most Canadians. Visit Russia, or meet a Russian visiting the US and you'll understand. I'd love to bridge the political gap. A world where superpowers are rivals, rather than enemies. That's the kind of world I'd like to live in. Even if we have to glass the entire fucking middle east.

Speaking as a Russian who did actually fight in Ukraine I have to agree, the best way to play the game in there would be for Russia and the Rebels to start claiming that they will do what the Ukrainian government won't, protect the Ukrainian people from foreign enemies.

Exactly. Win the hearts and minds of the people you want to take under your banner by spilling the hearts and minds of those who took so many of your precious citizens from you. Work with the US to do it and you'll get some major kudos from both the US and the UN after already telling Iran to fuck off. It would be a power move and cost Russia next to nothing.

 

[Ghostse]

King's been fucked in the head since forever, he's been a frothing idiot about anything/anyone to the left of him since at least the 1990s, probably before. He did that show in the early 2000s, "The Dome" (also based on a book of his), and straight up said, "Yes the bad guys in this are based on the current administration" (the Bush admin).

I don't usually advocate drug use, but I would donate to the GoFundMe to get him back on cocaine.

How are we so sure a war with Iran won't bring in China and Russia?

Because I'm not convinced it won't at all, I'm really not convinced.

Russia has told Iran to go eat shit already. Russia is also pissed with Iran over issues with Syria.

China is having muslims problems of its own, and would be disinclined to back them after they got caught attacking an Embassy.

The only way it would go WWIII is if Trump becomes literal hitler and boots on the ground + literal genocide. No one likes Iran, other countries just like fucking with US.

 

[Cat Menagerie]

Okay, I'm finding out more about the downed plane. This Boeing 737-800 was practically brand new at just four years old. Technical issues? The non-MAX 800 series are not known for such issues, let alone one that new.

 

[tehpope]

So we had a plane crash and report of a few minor earthquakes.

I'll show myself out.

Did talk about the missile attack at work. One of my coworkers (who's apparently Ex-Military) mentioned there's always some missile attacks going on in Iran. Are they correct?

 

[Aib Ld]

Shooting rockets that hit absolutely nothing, two earthquakes, and shooting off your own plane that nobody survivved from. Did we somehow hopped into another unviverse with Iran being a retarded laughing stock? What the fuck is happening? I am amused but also confused by the sheer coincidence of the events so far.

 

[Sho'nuff]

If it had even a single American citizen on board?

Some kid at Creech Air Force Base hits the "A" button on his Xbox controller a few weeks from now as the Ayatollah is moved around and a Reaper drone spreads his fanaticism about two-hundred feet in all directions.

If not?

Well, this actually puts Ukraine in a really interesting position. Assuming that Ukrainian nationals died on this flight, that gives Ukraine plenty of just cause to fuck Iran over any which way it can. Whether that be economically or by pushing the US and NATO for support. This actually is a really good opportunity for Ukraine to use a tragic incident in order to fuck the Russians out of one of their closest allies.

At the end of the day, it is blatantly obvious that Iran took down this jet. The timing is just way too convenient for a flaming wreck of a plane to come screaming down outside Tehran after Iran just tried to half-heartedly bomb some American bases. Their air defense forces were expecting an attack and made a mistake that could very well end their regime by the end of the month. If nothing else, I honestly thought 2019 would be the year of military hilarity with the absolute incompetence we saw out of Pakistan and India during their dick-waving contest: Iran is obviously refusing to come in second place.

There is actually a solid situation here for Russia to throw in with Ukraine, Russia can't support Iran on this in anyway. After 2 years of Iran causing international incidents without reprisal and getting their dicks smacked with Soleimani Iran is in a very poor position. Their "ultimatum" of if you retaliate against us after we do whatever we are going to do, we will attack uae and Israel, is the most ridiculous school yard shit I've ever seen from a country. It will gain them no support and honestly it will turn the entirety of the middle east against them.
Russia would be stupid to even attempt to aid them in anyway, Iran is the losing side, they've already lost by acting the way they have. Russia will only draw scrutiny to themselves, face more sanctions, and become even less relevant. If Russia throws in with Ukraine though... it makes them look good internationally. Shows they care about their (proxy) citizens in that country that Russia keeps telling us wants to be apart of Russia, you know, Ukraine....

 

[1Tonka_Truck]

We aren't tooling up for nationbuilding here, just pointing all the guns at their infrastructure and leadership.


edit: I mean, it's not like Libya was good, but it was a nation-destroying war that pretty much no one even knew happened outside the Bengazi Bengazi business.

At least we haven't blown up any water pipelines. Yet.

EDIT: Jesus, you guys are way too eager for more conflict.

I just want more hilarious gun-cam footage. Anything between turrets flying 50' into the air and that dude fucking a goat on thermals would be a nice late Christmas present.
.

 

[murdered meat bag]

that Curse of trump gets stronger and strongers, first its low ratings, store closings/bancrupcties, sports injuries and now shooting down your own ally's civilian plane.

 

[Socrates]

Whoever is running the simulation is just fucking with us now.