United States officials say "strikes have been carried out against two targets linked to Iran in Baghdad". (Reuters)
In response to the death of Qasem Soleimani, U.S. PresidentDonald Trumptweets an image of an American flag. He later defends the airstrike, claiming Soleimani "was both hated and feared" in Iran and "should have been taken out many years ago." (The Hill)(NBC News)
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says Soleimani and Muhandis were "martyred" in an attack by U.S. helicopters. Anonymous security sources cited by AFP say the attack killed at least eight people. The Iraqi military says three rockets hit the airport and two cars exploded. (New Straits Times)
Homeland security warns of potential attacks from Iranian backed militias or any other potential threat. Police been put on high alert due to such threats. (CNN)
This decision prompts protests in Barcelona. Torra, in a special press conference after the meeting of Catalan cabinet, calls the decision "a coup d'état against Catalan institutions" while an extraordinary session of the Catalan Parliament is summoned for 4 January. (Yahoo! News)