World News

Iran leaders vow severe revenge over Soleimani death

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed “severe revenge” after the United States killed the commander of the Islamic republic’s Quds Force, General Qasem Soleimani, in Baghdad this morning. Martyrdom was the reward for his ceaseless efforts in all these years,” Ayatollah Khamenei said on his Farsi-language Twitter account in reference to Gen Soleimani, also declaring three days of mourning.

“With him gone, God willing, his work and his path will not be stopped, but severe revenge awaits the criminals who bloodied their foul hands with his blood and other martyrs’ in last night’s incident.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed Gen Soleimani had been killed early today, saying he was “martyred” in an attack by US helicopters on Baghdad Airport. Gen Soleimani was one of the most popular figures in Iran and seen as a deadly adversary by America and its allies. Ayatollah Khamenei called Gen Soleimani the “international face of the resistance” and said he was killed by “the most cruel of those on earth”.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

All people who back the resistance would be his “avengers”, he added. The lack of our devoted and dear general is bitter, but continuing the fight and achieving final victory will embitter the murderers and criminals even more,” he added. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran will be more determined to resist the United States following the killing, Iranian state television reported.

“Soleimani’s martyrdom will make Iran more decisive to resist America’s expansionism and to defend our Islamic values. With no doubt, Iran and other freedom-seeking countries in the region will take his revenge,” Mr Rouhani said in a statement. After the attack, US President Donald Trump tweeted an image of the American flag, without any caption.

In other news – Drama over Linda Gcwensa’s death as Fans pour-in condolences to the wrong person

On Sunday, 29 December, the local music fraternity (particularly gospel music) was hit with some unfortunate news. It was reported that Linda Gcwensa, the founder of a legendary gospel music ensemble, Avante, had passed away. But it seems in all the mourning, there is a bit of confusion.

Linda Gcwensa

Linda Gcwensa ( the gospel artist and founder of Avante) died due to kidney problems and while condolences have been pouring in, many fans have been sending messages and tagging the wrong Linda Gcwensa (the afro-pop singer). Read more

Source: rte