Malaysia ‘deeply concerned’ by US airstrikes in Baghdad

KUALA LUMPUR

The Malaysian administration registered concern Saturday for U.S. airstrikes at Baghdad Airport that killed the commander of Iranian elite Quds Force Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, vice president of the Hashd al-Shaabi group.

“Malaysia is deeply concerned about the latest situation following the US airstrikes near Baghdad International Airport on Friday,” the Foreign Ministry said in an official statement.

The statement urged all concerned parties to avoid further provocation and de-escalate tensions in a bid to strike peace and stability in the region.

The U.S. confirmed Friday it carried out an airstrike that killed Soleimani and al-Muhandis.

Iran's leadership vowed to revenge Soleimani's death, and President Hasan Rouhani said the general’s killing doubled the resolve of Iranians to stand up to U.S. advances and defend Islamic values.

Soleimani was the long-time commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, which was designated a terror group by the U.S. The group is estimated to have 20,000 members.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas