Fact Check: "The United States killed Qasem Soleimani in 2020."
What We Know
On January 3, 2020, the United States military conducted a drone strike near Baghdad International Airport, resulting in the death of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force. This action was confirmed by the Department of Defense, which stated that the strike was aimed at protecting U.S. personnel abroad and was a decisive defensive action against Soleimani, who was actively planning attacks against American diplomats and military personnel in Iraq and the broader region. The Pentagon described Soleimani as responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and for orchestrating attacks on coalition bases in Iraq.
President Donald Trump also confirmed the strike in a speech, labeling Soleimani as "the number-one terrorist anywhere in the world" and asserting that he was plotting imminent attacks on U.S. interests (Trump's remarks). The operation was widely reported by major news outlets, including the New York Times and BBC, which corroborated the details surrounding the strike and its aftermath.
Analysis
The claim that the United States killed Qasem Soleimani is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Department of Defense's official statement provides a direct account of the military action taken against Soleimani, emphasizing the justification of the strike as a protective measure for U.S. personnel (Department of Defense). The timing and location of the strike are also well-documented, with various reports confirming that it occurred at Baghdad International Airport as Soleimani was traveling in a convoy (Wikipedia, New York Times).
While some sources have raised legal and ethical questions regarding the strike, labeling it as potentially unlawful (NPR, BBC), these discussions do not dispute the fact that the strike occurred or that it resulted in Soleimani's death. The consensus among reputable news organizations and governmental statements confirms the event's occurrence and the context in which it took place.
The sources used in this analysis are reliable and include official government statements, reputable news articles, and historical documentation. The Department of Defense and President Trump's remarks are primary sources that provide firsthand accounts of the event, while secondary sources like the New York Times and BBC offer independent verification of the facts.
Conclusion
The verdict is True. The claim that the United States killed Qasem Soleimani in 2020 is supported by multiple credible sources, including official statements from the U.S. government and extensive media coverage. The evidence clearly establishes that the U.S. military executed a drone strike that resulted in Soleimani's death, confirming the accuracy of the claim.
Sources
- Statement by the Department of Defense
- January 2020 Airstrike in Iraq Against Qassem Soleimani
- Remarks by President Trump on the Killing of Qasem Soleimani
- Assassination of Qasem Soleimani
- U.S. Strike in Iraq Kills Qassim Suleimani, Commander of ...
- US strike on Iran general was unlawful, UN expert says
- U.S. Killing Of Iran's Gen. Soleimani 'Was Unlawful,' U.N. ...
