Drones targeted the U.S. embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday, marking one of the most intense attacks since the start of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. According to multiple sources, at least three drones were launched from areas around the city, with two being shot down by the C-RAM air defense system while a third struck inside the embassy compound.
Key Takeaways
Drones targeted the U.S. embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday, marking one of the most intense attacks since the start of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Two drones were shot down by air defenses while a third struck inside the compound. The attack comes amid heightened tensions and retaliatory strikes by Iranian-backed militias following recent deaths of their commanders and fighters.
- At least three drones targeted the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, with one striking the compound
- Two drones were intercepted by C-RAM air defense systems
- No immediate reports of casualties or damage from the attack
- Iraqi security forces deployed across Baghdad and closed the Green Zone
- Iranian-backed militias have escalated attacks on U.S. interests since February 28
The attack occurred amid heightened tensions and retaliatory strikes by Iranian-backed militias following recent deaths of their commanders and fighters. Witnesses saw fire and smoke rising from the compound after one drone struck it, with an explosion also heard in the Iraqi capital. The U.S. embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The attack comes amid a series of retaliatory strikes by Iranian-backed militias against U.S. interests in Iraq since the war began on February 28. On Monday, Iran-aligned group Kataib Hezbollah announced the death of its senior commander and spokesperson, while Popular Mobilization Forces reported that air strikes killed at least eight of its fighters in the Iraqi town of al-Qaim near Syria.
In response to the escalating violence, Iraqi security forces have been deployed across parts of the capital and closed Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and diplomatic missions including the U.S. embassy. Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemned the attacks and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
According to Reuters, there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the drone attack on the embassy compound. Additionally, an earlier drone strike targeted the Royal Tulip Al-Rasheed hotel within Baghdad's Green Zone, causing damage but no casualties. The area was subsequently sealed off by security forces.
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