- The operation ordered by President Trump

is already being called aseismic event in the Middle East.

For the killing of Qassem Soleimani,

a person many considered

one of the most dangerousmen in the world.

The Baghdad Airport strikewas targeted at Soleimani,

the head of Iran's elite Quds Force,

killing a total of eight people.

Soleimani was identified byhis hand and the ring he wore,

shown in these photos.

The Pentagon said in astatement: "General Soleimani

"was actively developing plansto attack American diplomats

"and service members in Iraqand throughout the region.

"General Soleimani and hisQuds Force were responsible

"for the deaths of hundreds of American

"and coalition service members,

"and the wounding of thousands more."

Soleimani was the architect

of Iran's operationsthroughout the region,

and had been sanctioned by the US

and the UN for supporting terrorism.

One former CIA officer told the New Yorker

Soleimani was the most powerful operative

in the Middle East.

In Lebanon, Soleimani built Hezbollah

into a powerful state withina state that threatens Israel.

He was so famous in Iran,

his image greeted passengersat Tehran Airport.

After the successful attack,

President Trump tweeted the American flag.

The State Departmenturged American citizens

to leave Iraq immediately.

(speaking in foreign language)

The news caused spontaneouscelebrations in Iraq,

with some Iraqis dancing in the streets.

This Iraqi said the USattack will eliminate

the corrupt parties whichare destroying Iraq.

(crowd chanting)

At Friday prayers in Iran,

worshipers chanted "Death to America."

Iran's Supreme LeaderAyatollah Khamenei warned

"a harsh retaliationis waiting" for the US,

as did a spokesman forIran's Revolutionary Guard,

who cried during theinterview with state TV.

Around 5,000 Americantroops are based in Iraq,

where they mainly train Iraqi forces

and help to combat the Islamic State.

Soleimani's death is being called

a significant blow to Iran.

The US knew that Soleimaniwas behind this week's attack

on the US embassy, andDefense Secretary Mark Esper

had issued this warning on Thursday.

- You know, enough is enough.

We have all the capabilities

inherent in the United States military

to either respond to further attacks

or take preemptive action

if additional attacks are being prepared.

- US officials have made it clear

they're prepared to meetany response from Iran.

To quote Defense SecretaryEsper, "The game has changed."

Dale Hurd, CBN News.