AFP, BAGHDADA furious Iran threatened to avenge a US strike yesterday that killed a top Iranian commander at Baghdad International Airport, raising fears of a wider regional conflict between the archfoes. Hashed al-Shaabi confirmed that both Soleimani and its deputy chief, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, were among those killed. A leading member, Hadi al-Ameri, said that the attack would “only make us more determined.”The network said “Iranian advisers” were among those killed, but did not specify how many. Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif criticized the US strike as “extremely dangerous and a foolish escalation,” as Khamenei declared three days of mourning. “Oh Qasem Soleimani, this is a divine victory,” protesters chanted as some danced in the streets.
