A multi-rocket attack targeted the US Embassy in the well-guarded Green Zone in Baghdad Friday, December 8, amid escalating regional tensions linked to the raging war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. No casualties were reported.
Salvos of rockets targeted the US embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone early Friday, according to the mission. This marks the latest in a series of attacks amid the Israel-Hamas war.
“A multi-rocket attack was launched at US and Coalition forces in the vicinity of Union III and the Baghdad embassy complex” without causing any reported casualties or damage, a US official said.
As of now, there is no claim of responsibility. However, a US spokesperson indicated that there are indications the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias.
The United States, leading an international coalition against jihadists in Iraq and Syria, has been facing repeated attacks recently.
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The spokesperson reiterated a call on the government of Iraq to take all necessary measures to protect diplomatic and coalition partner personnel and facilities. The US reserves the right to self-defense and protection of its personnel worldwide.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that attacks on embassies undermine the country’s security and stability.
Since mid-October, there have been numerous rocket or drone strikes by pro-Iran groups against US or coalition forces in Iraq and Syria. Notably, Friday’s rocket attack was the first against the US embassy in Baghdad since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, escalating regional tensions.
An Iraqi security official reported that three Katyusha rockets targeting the American embassy fell close to the Green Zone near the river Tigris.
There are approximately 2,500 US troops in Iraq and about 900 in Syria, aiming to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State group.
On a separate note, a US military official confirmed a “self-defense strike” in northern Iraq against a drone launch site near Kirkuk, responding to an imminent threat. The strike resulted in the death of “five martyrs,” according to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. This occurred a day after the Iraqi Prime Minister rejected any attack on Iraqi territory during a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Since October 17, Washington has recorded at least 78 attacks against its forces in Iraq and Syria, starting 10 days after the Israel-Hamas war began.
Miroslava Salazar, with AFP
