U.S. Embassy Compound in Baghdad Attacked, But No Injuries Reported
Early on Friday morning, the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq, was the target of an attack, with approximately seven mortar rounds landing within the compound, according to a U.S. military official who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity. While the attack caused minimal damage, there were no reported injuries.
The incident marks the second attack on the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad in recent months, following a similar attack in December 2019. However, this time the attack was much larger than the previous one. The official did not rule out the possibility of more projectiles being fired at the embassy but not landing within the compound.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is one of the most heavily fortified diplomatic missions in the world, with an extensive security system in place. Despite this, the attack appears to have been successful in breaching the compound’s perimeter.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has been the target of multiple attacks throughout the years, including an attack in January 2020, during which two rockets were fired at the embassy. In that attack, no casualties were reported.
The Friday attack comes amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, which has long been an adversary of the United States in the Middle East. The United States’ decision to assassinate Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in early January 2020 has further exacerbated the situation.
The attack also comes at a time of political turmoil in Iraq. The country has been rocked by protests in recent months over corruption and economic hardship. The protests have been met with a violent response from the government, with more than 500 people reportedly killed since October 2019.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has condemned the attack and has called on the Iraqi government to take swift action to ensure the security of its citizens and diplomatic missions. The embassy also urged the Iraqi government to take steps to address the root causes of the ongoing protests, including corruption and economic hardship.
The attack on the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad is a reminder of the precarious security situation in Iraq and the need for the government to take decisive action to ensure the safety of its citizens and diplomatic missions. The U.S. Embassy has urged the Iraqi government to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and diplomatic missions, and to address the root causes of the ongoing protests.
