An embassy spokesperson confirmed that the U.S. embassy in Baghdad faced a rocket attack on Friday morning, with two rocket salvos causing no casualties. The spokesperson attributed the attack to Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, although no group immediately claimed responsibility.
This incident marked the first reported rocket assault since an umbrella group of Iran-aligned Shi’ite Muslim militias initiated attacks against U.S. forces in mid-October in Iraq and neighboring Syria.
The armed groups, operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have linked over 70 such attacks to Washington’s support for Israel in its Gaza assault.
The embassy spokesperson urged the Government of Iraq to prioritize the protection of diplomatic and Coalition partner personnel and facilities.
Explosions resonated near the embassy in Iraq’s capital around 4 a.m. on Friday, prompting activated sirens for people to take cover, as depicted in social media videos.
Apart from its diplomatic staff, the United States maintains around 2,500 troops in Iraq, aiming to advise and assist local forces in preventing an Islamic State resurgence. The spokesperson emphasized the right to self-defense and protection of personnel globally.
