SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 25 April 2024, Thursday |

At least four rockets target US Embassy in Baghdad: Iraqi officials

On Thursday, at least four rockets were fired towards the US Embassy in Baghdad’s strongly protected Green Zone, according to two Iraqi security sources. The region is home to diplomatic embassies as well as the Iraqi government’s headquarters.

According to sources, three of the missiles struck within the boundaries of the American Embassy. Another struck a school in an adjacent residential complex. Because they were not allowed to speak to the media, the officials talked on the condition of anonymity.

According to an Iraqi military statement, a girl and a woman were hurt in the incident, but no other details were provided. According to the statement, the missiles were launched from Baghdad’s Dora area.

During the attack, witnesses stated they heard the embassy’s C-RAM defensive system, which is designed to detect and destroy incoming rockets, artillery, and mortar rounds.

The incident is the latest in a series of rocket and drone attacks targeting the American presence in Iraq since early this year, marking the two-year anniversary of the US strike that killed Iranian General Qassim Soleimani and Iraqi militia commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Last Thursday, a series of assaults in Iraq and Syria targeted American forces. Rockets were fired towards an Iraqi military installation in western Anbar province and the city.

Pro-Iran Shia forces in Iraq have sworn vengeance for Soleimani’s death and have tied the termination of assaults to the full withdrawal of American soldiers from the country.

Last month, the US-led coalition formally completed its combat mission assisting Iraqi troops in their ongoing fight against the terrorist group ISIS. Approximately 2,500 troops will stay as the coalition transitions to an advising role to continue helping Iraqi forces.

Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, the top US commander in the Middle East, said last month in an interview with The Associated Press that he anticipates increased attacks on US and Iraqi soldiers by Iranian-backed militias aiming to drive American forces out.

    Source:
  • Associated Press