Top U.S. officials agree options to give Trump for any attacks on Americans in Iraq – Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Top U.S. national security officials agreed on Wednesday on a proposed range of options to present to President Donald Trump aimed at deterring any attack on U.S. military or diplomatic personnel in Iraq, a senior administration official told Reuters.
FILE PHOTO: A man looks at the damage after the Iraqi military said rockets fell inside Baghdad's Green Zone, Iraq November 18, 2020. REUTERS/Khalid al-Mousily/File Photo
The meeting was spurred by an attack on Sunday in which rockets landed in Baghdads heavily fortified Green Zone compound targeting the U.S. Embassy and causing some minor damage, the Iraqi military and the embassy said.
The so-called principals committee group, including acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and national security adviser Robert OBrien met at the White House, said the official, who requested anonymity.
A range of options would be presented soon to Trump, said the official, who would not describe the content of the options or say whether they included military action.
Each one is designed to be non-escalatory and to deter further attack, the official said.
After the meeting, Trump, without giving evidence, said on Twitter that the rockets on Sunday were from Iran and we hear chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq.
Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over, Trump said.
The Iraqi military blamed Sundays attack on an outlaw group.
U.S. Central Command said that Sundays attack was almost certainly conducted by an Iranian-backed Rogue Militia Group.
While this 21 rocket attack caused no U.S. injuries or casualties, the attack did damage buildings in the U.S. Embassy compound, and was clearly NOT intended to avoid casualties, it said in a statement.
Another U.S. official, also speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that after the meeting of senior leaders, the strategy was to be vocal about Sundays attack but there was not a move towards using military force. The official added that the calculus could change if there were future attacks, especially if they harmed Americans.
In recent days there has been increased concern and vigilance about what Iranian-backed forces might do in the lead up to the anniversary of a Jan. 3 U.S. drone strike in Iraq that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, the official said.
Washington blames Iran-backed militia for regular rocket attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq, including near the embassy. No known Iran-backed groups have claimed responsibility.
The senior administration official said the aim of the White House meeting was to develop the right set of options that we could present to the president to make sure that we deter the Iranians and Shia militias in Iraq from conducting attacks on our personnel.
An array of militia groups announced in October that they had suspended rocket attacks on U.S. forces on condition that Iraqs government present a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops.
But a rocket strike on the U.S. Embassy on Nov. 18 was a clear sign that Iranian-backed militias had decided to resume attacks on U.S. bases, according to Iraqi security officials.
Washington, which is slowly reducing its 5,000 troops in Iraq, threatened to shut its embassy unless the Iraqi government reins in Iran-aligned militias.
Reporting By Steve Holland. Additional reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Grant McCool
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Top U.S. officials agree options to give Trump for any attacks on Americans in Iraq - Reuters
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