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'There Will Be No Benghazis on His Watch' – Trump Takes Initiative to Protect U.S Embassy After Attack

Editor

On Tuesday, dozens of Shiite Muslims breached the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

After deadly U.S. airstrikes targeting an Iran-backed Iraqi Shiite militia, a mob of hundreds of the group’s supporters converged on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday, dozens breaking down a door into the reception area and setting the room on fire before U.S. guards repelled them using tear gas and gunfire. President Trump responded by blaming Iran for “orchestrating” the attack and vowing a strong retaliation. (DW)

President Trump tweeted, "Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!"

However, there is seems to be have been some confusion at least for a short time, because Iraq also condemned the U.S.

According to Fox News,

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had separate phone calls with Abdul-Mahdi and Iraqi President Barham Salih on Tuesday, in which he “made clear the United States will protect and defend its people, who are there to support a sovereign and independent Iraq,” State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

Ortagus added that both Iraqi leaders “assured the secretary that they took seriously their responsibility and would guarantee the safety and security of U.S. personnel and property.”

Yet as news of the embassy clashes spread, the Iraqi National Security Council put out a statement instead condemning the U.S. airstrikes that preceded them.

“The Iraqi Government condemns this act and considers it a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty,” the statement said. “This is a serious violation of the rules of engagement of the Coalition forces, including the US forces, in carrying out operations without the approval of the Iraqi Government.”

The President has boosted security by sending 100 Marines to the Embassy and has called on Iraq to back them up.

Senator Lindsey Graham commended President Trump's quick action and tweeted,

Very proud of President @realDonaldTrump acting decisively in the face of threats to our embassy in Baghdad.

He has put the world on notice – there will be no Benghazis on his watch.