Iran's top general Soleimani killed in US airstrike

What happened?

In the early hours of Friday morning, a strike hit Baghdad International Airport. The Iraqi military said three rockets were fired at the airport.

Who was killed?

Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force unit, and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head of the Iran-backed Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), were among those killed in the attack, according to the PMF. The total number of people killed is unclear.

Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force unit. Photo by MEHDI GHASEMI/ISNA/AFP via Getty Images

Who was responsible?

The US has claimed responsibility for the strike. In a statement, the Pentagon said the strike was directed by President Donald Trump -- and was aimed at "deterring future Iranian attack plans."

What's been the reaction in the US?

There's been an outpouring of support from Republican politicians, who have thanked Trump for standing up for America. Democrats have warned the move could start a war.

How have the PMF and IRGC responded?

PMF said the pair were "martyred" by an American strike. IRGC also confirmed Soleimani was "martyred."

Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, a commander in the Popular Mobilization Forces. Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images

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