US forces killed Iranian Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in an airstrike near Baghdad's airport.<br />The assassination was at the direction of President Donald Trump.<br />Soleimani was the leader of the elite and secretive Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.<br />He abetted terrorism and violence throughout the region, including against US troops.<br />According to Business Insider, neither George W. Bush nor Barack Obama ever targeted Soleimani or the Quds Force.<br />Former military and intelligence officials have cited the potential for retaliation from Iran for their choice not to pursue him.<br />Such retaliation could come against US troops, diplomats, and allied forces in the region as a major reason.
