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What is Hellfire R9X?
The AGM-114 Hellfire is an air-to-surface missile originally developed for anti-armor use by US. However, later models were developed for precision drone strikes against other target types. They have been reportedly used in a number of targeted killings of high-profile individuals
The Hellfire R9X is a Hellfire variant with a kinetic warhead with pop-out blades, intended to reduce collateral damage. R9X had been deployed in secret since 2017, and their existence was revealed only in 2019. This variant was reportedly used in the killing of Jamal Ahmad Mohammad Al Badawi, accused mastermind of the 2000 USS Cole bombing, as well as Al Qaeda leader Abu Khayr Al Masri.
The US government developed this missile for airstrikes with pinpoint accuracy against terror leaders with no explosion. Instead, it employs a six-blade system that pops out on impact and gashes through the specified targets, with the least impact on surroundings.
Deadly drone
The drone used in the operation was a US MQ-9 Reaper, reports The New York Times. It is reported as one of the most feared in the hands of US Air Force. The MQ-9's capabilities make it uniquely qualified to conduct irregular warfare operations, US military documentats show.
The MQ-9 Reaper is an armed, multi-mission, long-endurance, remotely piloted aircraft that is used primarily against dynamic execution targets. It has significant loiter time, wide-range sensors, multi-mode communications suite, and precision weapons - all making it ideal for difficult tasks in hostile terrain – such as the one involving Soleimani.
Tracking Soleimani's location had long been a priority for the American and Israeli spy services and militaries, especially when he was in Iraq.
Soleimani often moved in and out of Iraq with an air of impunity, as if he thought he was untouchable. Which made things easier for the Americans at last. One former senior American commander recalled parking his military jet next to Soleimani's plane at the Irbil airport in northern Iraq, according to NYT.
'Trump ordered the killing'
US President Donald Trump ordered the killing of Soleimani "in a decisive defensive action to protect US personnel abroad," the Pentagon said.
"General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region. General Soleimani and his Quds Force were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more," the Department of Defense said.
Following Soleimani's death, Trump tweeted an image of the US flag without any further explanation.
'Soleimani should have been taken out many years ago'
Iranian General Qassem Soleimani has killed many Americans and should have been killed years ago, Trump said.
“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!,” he tweeted.
“He was directly and indirectly responsible for the death of millions of people, including the recent large number of protesters killed in Iran itself,” the US president said.
“While Iran will never be able to properly admit it, Soleimani was both hated and feared within the country. They are not nearly as saddened as the leaders will let the outside world believe. He should have been taken out many years ago!,” he added.