Rockets and drones targeted the U.S. embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday, triggering explosions and fires as air defenses intercepted some threats in one of the most intense attacks since the U.S.-Israel war with Iran began.
WEBDESK – Act Global Media
Rockets and at least five drones were launched toward the U.S. embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday, Iraqi security sources said, in what they described as the most intense attack on the compound since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran last month.
A Reuters witness reported seeing at least three drones flying toward the embassy compound inside Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone. The embassy’s C-RAM air defense system intercepted two of the drones, while a third struck inside the compound, where smoke and flames were seen rising.
An explosion was also heard across the Iraqi capital, according to another witness.
Attempts by Reuters to reach the U.S. embassy for comment were unsuccessful, as the mission’s mobile phones appeared to be switched off.
The attack comes amid escalating tensions in the region following the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, which began on Feb. 28. Iranian-backed militias have since intensified attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq.
On Monday, the Iran-aligned militia group Kataib Hezbollah announced the death of one of its senior commanders and spokespersons. Meanwhile, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces said airstrikes killed at least eight of its fighters in the border town of al-Qaim near Syria.
Following Tuesday’s attack, Iraqi security forces were deployed across parts of Baghdad, and authorities shut down the capital’s fortified Green Zone, which houses key government buildings and diplomatic missions, including the U.S. embassy.
Security officials said investigations were underway to determine the launch locations of the drones and rockets.
