This is what I 've been reading this morning... Local militia commander Abu Muntather al-Hussaini said two missiles hit the car carrying Soleimani, 62, and al-Muhandis, 66. The second car was struck by a single missile. They were said to have been launched by an unmanned MQ-9 ‘hunter-killer’ drone sent from the US Central Command headquarters in Qatar. Piloted by a two-man crew hundreds of miles away, the 230mph drone can carry out precision strikes and relay images of the attack to commanders anywhere in the world. The $64million (£49million) Reaper carries four laser-guided Hellfire missiles with 38lb warheads capable of destroying a tank, along with Paveway bombs. Aviation experts said its flight was ‘nearly silent’, meaning its intended victims would have had little or no warning of its approach. A Gulf newspaper reported the strike involved modified Hellfire R9X ‘Ninja’ missiles, which have warheads with pop-out spinning blades designed to minimise collateral damage. Instead of exploding, the missile is armed with six long blades that extend just before impact, effectively shredding their targets. CCTV footage from the airport appeared to show a large explosion, and the charred wreckage of the convoy suggested it had been ripped apart by the force of a massive blast. The Pentagon refused to give details of the strike and Iranian officials claimed it was carried out by helicopter. Years of intelligence that led to the strike Precision drone strikes rely on detailed intelligence, and Soleimani was kept under near-constant surveillance by US, Saudi and Israeli security forces. The New York Times reported that the Pentagon used highly classified information from informants, electronic intercepts, reconnaissance aircraft and other surveillance techniques to track the Iranian general’s movements.
So few reporters and even editorial staffs of the major networks understand the intricacies of the interelationships of people, religions, countries... and even the physical maplines... that putting together any kind of logical rationale to explain what is happening, is simply not possible, IMHO. Between the major "news" networks : CNN,Fox, MSNBC, OAN, Newsmax, BBC... etc. As many different "takes" and prognistications as there are commentators and guests. Can't even make much sense from my "go-to" AlJazeera news. What comes to mind, are the headlines of August 6, 1945.
Just to continue the line of thought. My biggest worry is the thought of coming cyber warfare. Not what we've understood... about hacking, freezing accounts, or causing disruptions in the internet. Think... "Wiping": Not just disrupting electricity or gas or the internet... "Wiping" means destroying systems at the root. Thus, things like.. Destroying the entire Dow/Nasdaq/S&P system. Erasing the controls for the operation of the energy companies. Disrupting or polluting entire water systems, for cities or even states, like California. Breaking phone systems, and even 5G Disabling other energy supplies. Gasoline, not just autos, but planes, military vehicles, Disabling Hospital, and emergency services. Police and Fire. Disrupting food supplies Think... the simplest... no electricity. Can't happen? Hopefully not, but with a continuing.... ongoing uncertainty for days, or for years to come.... Who among our leaders or scientists can begin to guarantee safety. Who or what part of governement is ahead of these threats.... indeed, who can even tell how we stand with regard to China on cybersecurity? So... not all guns and bombs...
I know .. when I read the ''shredding part'' I was thinking...WoW, that's just beyond anyone's ken really , we know nothing of these drone shredding missiles... what a weapon!! I wonder whose idea it was..who invented this thing, and how big did the drone/s have to be to carry not one, not 2...but 3 or 4 of them...
I think any American who is upset a terrorist leader was killed needs to go watch some old 9/11 footage. I don't care if they drone all the terrorist. I really don't.
No swift response by Iran should indicate that Pres. Trump surprised the Iranian leadership. Note that neither China or Russia were quick to condemn the action. And as far as I know still haven't made statements. Pres. Trump didn't hesitate to let Iran know what to expect if American's or American allies were harmed. Iran is already suffering economically wiping out oil production would cripple them even more. So long story short. IMO Iran will not be dumb enough to use their military but could fund & use surrogate terrorist groups to do what they would like to do.
Our government haven't released any statements yet either, doesn't mean they're not as mad as hell for not being informed about this before the fact. I can understand the president wishing to keep this as top secret as possible, this man was top of the list dangerous to everyone... however there are definitely ways to let the right people in other Allied govts be aware of what's about to go down. It's our people too, our army, our expats our fathers, mothers daughters, brothers, sisters and and sons, who are put in danger who are also expected to fight to protect us for something we're not responsible for nor asked for nor agreed to.. and also to protect the USA as well as the UK ... , we're not the enemy lets us know when you're about to light the touch paper Mr president , we're on your side, but FGS let us be prepared !!
How can you really know if your gov. or others were not informed ? As you point out top secret was key in making this happen. Not likely this action was not considered and preparations were in place