The mainstream media and liberals alike have been largely critical of President Trump’s decision to order a strike to kill Iranian General Soleimani, but Iraqi and Syrian citizens see the death of the terrorist a different way.
Videos have surfaced of civilians across the Middle East, particularly in Syria – those who lost loved ones and were displaced by Soleimani’s regime – celebrating the death of Soleimani, and they’re quickly getting passed around on social media.
Check it out:
Celebrations went on even in Soleimani's hometown of Kerman, Iran:
The Washington Examiner has more to say on the people's celebration of the end of Soleimani, and his reign of terror:
President Trump's order to take out Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Quds Force leader, Gen. Qassem Soleimani, citizens of countries across the Middle East celebrated the swift killing of Iran's top military mind.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo shared a video of Iraqi citizens celebrating in the street after hearing the news of Soleimani's death.
Iraqis — Iraqis — dancing in the street for freedom; thankful that General Soleimani is no more. pic.twitter.com/huFcae3ap4
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) January 3, 2020
One artist painted a mural of Soleimani in a trash heap with Trump's likeness next to the Iranian general's dead body.Graffiti in #Idlib city northwest Syria about @realDonaldTrump attack on Soleimani pic.twitter.com/EikOhIfYIs
— Asaad Hanna (@AsaadHannaa) January 3, 2020
Soleimani, widely regarded as the mastermind behind Iran's terrorist military operations over the last two decades, was killed late Thursday evening during a drone strike outside the airport in Baghdad by U.S. forces.U.S. military officials said the missile strike was in response to an "imminent threat" Soleimani and the Guard posed to American lives in the region.
"General Qassem Soleimani has killed or badly wounded thousands of Americans over an extended period of time, and was plotting to kill many more ... but got caught!" Trump tweeted Friday morning. "He was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number.... of PROTESTERS killed in Iran itself. While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, Soleimani was both hated and feared within the country," the president continued. "They are not nearly as saddened as the leaders will let the outside world believe. He should have been taken out many years ago!"
Middle East Eye also said the following on Syrians' reaction to the news that Qassem Soleimani is no more:
Thousands of Syrians, forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in Idlib - the last rebel-held stronghold in the country, have celebrated the death Qassem Soleimani with sweets and cakes.
Late on Thursday, American air strikes killed Soleimani, the commander of Iran's secretive Quds Force, and seven of his associates.
The Trump administration justified the strikes, first describing Soleimani as a ruthless killer, and then by saying that the raid was in response to "imminent threats to American lives."
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called the assassination an "act of international terrorism," while Iran's Supreme Leader warned that "severe revenge" awaited the killers.
However, throughout Friday, Syrians in Idlib could be seen celebrating their foe's demise by handing out Arab sweets and delicacies.
Several displaced Syrians told Middle East Eye that they were celebrating because under Soleimani's instruction, pro-Syrian government forces besieged a number of rebel-held towns and cities, starving them into capitulation.
"We ate cats during the siege and residents gave up their cars in exchange for a couple kilogrammes of rice," said Burhan, a civilian who fled the city of Zabadani in the Damascus countryside to Idlib.
"Many died of starvation because of Soleimani and his militia."
Muhannad al-Yamani, a displaced Syrian told MEE, that he was "thrilled" when news broke of Soleimani's death.
"We were pleased because he is one of the main reasons behind the displacement of many Syrians, especially those from Aleppo. He led operations against the free people of Syria in many cities. In Idlib, Aleppo, Homs and even Damascus. He had a big role in the killing of children and women and the displacement of many. God has punished him."
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