NewKerala.com

US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked by Drones, Major Fire Breaks Out in Compound

The US Embassy in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone was attacked by explosive-laden drones, which sparked a significant fire within the compound. The embassy's defense systems failed to intercept the drones in an assault that lasted from Monday evening into Tuesday. This incident occurred alongside separate drone attacks targeting a major oil field in southern Iraq. The violence follows an Israeli airstrike that killed six members of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces near the Syrian border.

Key Points: US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked, Fire Erupts from Drone Strike

  • Drones penetrated embassy defenses
  • Fire visible from outside complex
  • No immediate casualty reports
  • Attack part of multi-pronged assault
  • Follows Israeli strike on Iraqi forces
2 min read

US embassy in Baghdad attacked, fire breaks out

Drones attack US Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone, sparking a major fire. Assault follows Israeli strike on Iraqi forces and drone attacks on oil field.

"Two booby-trapped drones landed within the embassy perimeter - Interior Ministry Source"

Baghdad, March 17

Facilities inside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad's Green Zone caught fire after the embassy was attacked early Tuesday.

Two booby-trapped drones landed within the embassy perimeter and the subsequent explosions sparked a fire visible from outside the complex, a source from Iraq's Interior Ministry told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

Sirens were activated immediately across the site during the assault, while the embassy's defence system failed to intercept the incoming drones, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the source.

There were no immediate reports about casualties and the resulting blaze indicates material damage to the facilities.

The embassy was subjected to multiple rounds of attacks from Monday evening to the early hours of Tuesday.

Footage showed a drone detonating just feet from the compound, indicating multiple penetrations of C-RAM defence systems in a single evening.

The Green Zone in central Baghdad houses Iraqi government buildings, the parliament and several foreign missions, including the US embassy. The heavily fortified zone has been a frequent target of rocket and mortar fire in recent years.

Meanwhile, two drones targeted the Majnoon oil field in southern Iraq late Monday, the oil ministry said.

Oil ministry spokesperson Saheb Bazoun said one drone struck a telecommunications tower but caused no damage. A second drone targeted offices of a US company operating at the site, a security official confirmed.

Earlier on Monday, Iraq's paramilitary Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said that six of its members were killed and four others wounded in an Israeli attack in the western province of Anbar.

According to a PMF statement, the strike targeted a checkpoint in the town of al-Qaim near the Syrian border.

The group described the location as an "official security site," stating the casualties occurred while the members were "performing their duty of protecting the land and sovereignty."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The cycle of violence in that region seems never-ending. The attack on the oil field is also concerning for global energy markets. India imports a lot of oil from the Middle East, so stability there is directly linked to our petrol prices.
A
Arjun K
While any attack on a diplomatic mission is condemnable, one has to ask what led to this point. The report mentions an Israeli strike killing Iraqi paramilitary forces just a day before. The region is a tinderbox because of foreign interventions. 🇮🇳
P
Priya S
My heart goes out to the ordinary Iraqi people who have to live through this constant instability. It's their country that suffers the most from these tit-for-tat attacks between bigger powers.
V
Vikram M
The technology aspect is scary. Drones are becoming the weapon of choice for non-state actors. Our own security forces need to be prepared for similar asymmetric threats. Jai Hind.
M
Michael C
A respectful criticism of the article: it heavily relies on a single anonymous source from Xinhua. While the events are likely true, more perspectives or confirmation from other agencies would provide better context.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50