The U.S government announced on Friday that the U.S. consulate in the southern Iraqi city of Basra is being temporarily closed amid violence, including a rocket aimed at the consulate, by the Iranian-backed militias. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the move is a “temporary relocation” in the wake of “increasing and specific threats” from the Iranian regime and its militias. "I have made clear that Iran should understand that the United States will respond promptly and appropriately to any such attacks." Earlier this month, after a Shiite militia vowed revenge for the attack on the Iranian consulate by anti-Iranian protesters, three rockets were fired at Basra's airport, which houses the U.S. consulate. The Iranian government denied being involved in the incidents in Iraq, according to the state media.

Source: Fox News September 29, 2018 12:56 UTC