Iranian TV Announcement about U.S. Killing of IRGC Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani: He Met His Creator with Gratitude for Years of Jihad

On January 3, 2020, at 6:00 AM, IRINN TV (Iran) aired an announcement about the United States' killing of IRGC Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani earlier that morning at Baghdad International Airport. Quoting the Quran, the anchor said: "'Indeed, to God we belong and to God we shall return.' The soldier of the Jurisprudent Ruler and of the Islamic nation, the military commander of Islam, the Revolution, and Iran, Hajj Qasem Soleimani, was martyred in an attack by American helicopters [after] a life full of Jihad." The anchor explained that Soleimani had "hastened to meet his Creator" with gratitude for "years of Jihad that were full of pride and honor." He added that Soleimani had been "awarded martyrdom" along with PMU Deputy Commander Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis.

Anchor: In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate. Peace and prayers upon the Prophet Muhammad and his pure household. Greetings. "Indeed, to God we belong and to God we shall return." The soldier of the Jurisprudent Ruler and of the Islamic nation, the military commander of Islam, the Revolution, and Iran, Hajj Qasem Soleimani, was martyred in an attack by American helicopters. The IRGC announced that after a life full of Jihad, Islam's proud commander, Hajj Qasem Soleimani, was awarded martyrdom today at dawn in an attack by American helicopters, at Baghdad International Airport. He hastened to meet his Creator, grateful for years of Jihad that were full of pride and honor. According to sources in the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Units, American helicopters attacked Baghdad International Airport, and as a result, General Qasem Soleimani, as well as PMU Deputy Commander Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, attained martyrdom.