Rocket Attack Targets US Embassy in Baghdad, Causing Minor Damage, No Casualties

In a rocket attack that targeted the US Embassy in Baghdad, minor damage was caused, but thankfully there were no casualties reported. This attack marks the first confirmed incident on the embassy since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in October. The heavily fortified Green Zone, where the embassy is located, houses both Iraqi government buildings and foreign embassies. Following this assault, drone and multi-rocket attacks were carried out on other locations as well, but no casualties were reported. Iran-backed militias have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks against US facilities over the past few months. The US State Department condemned the attacks and urged Iraq to take immediate action in investigating and arresting those responsible. With tensions escalating, it remains crucial to protect diplomatic and coalition partner personnel and facilities.

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Background Information

On a Friday morning in Baghdad, a rocket attack targeted the extensive U.S. Embassy, causing minor damage but thankfully resulting in no casualties. This attack marks the first confirmed incident on the embassy since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas war. The U.S. Embassy is located within the heavily fortified Green Zone, which is home to Iraqi government buildings and foreign embassies. The Green Zone sits on the west bank of the Tigris River.

Details of the Attack

The rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy has been confirmed, with reports indicating that it was carried out by Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq. The extent of the damage inflicted was minimal, with no casualties reported. The rockets targeted the embassy gates, some of which struck near the entrance while others landed in the river. Thankfully, there was no significant damage to the infrastructure surrounding the embassy.

Previous Attacks on US Facilities

Iran-backed militias have consistently claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on U.S. bases housing troops in both Iraq and Syria. These attacks have escalated in frequency since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. According to the U.S. military, there have been a total of 78 attacks on U.S. facilities in the past couple of weeks, with 43 occurring in Iraq and 41 taking place in Syria.

Number of Rockets Fired

The rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy involved the firing of 14 Katyusha rockets. Some of these rockets hit near the gates of the embassy, while others landed in the river. The destructive impact of these rockets was fortunately limited, resulting in minor damage and no casualties. The attack on the embassy was part of a series of coordinated assaults that included drone and multi-rocket attacks on al-Asad air base in western Iraq, as well as three troop locations in Syria.

Other Targeted Locations

Apart from the attack on the U.S. Embassy, there have been additional drone and multi-rocket assaults on various other locations. These include al-Asad air base in Iraq, which houses U.S. forces, as well as three troop locations in Syria. These attacks, similar to the one on the embassy, did not result in any casualties.

Uncertainty About Responsibility

Although no specific group has claimed responsibility for the rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy, early indications point to Iran-aligned militias. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group representing Iran-backed militias, has issued statements claiming separate attacks on the al-Asad airbase in Iraq and a base located at the Conoco gas field in eastern Syria. The absence of a specific group claiming responsibility leaves room for speculation regarding the true culprits behind the attack.

US Response and Call for Action

The U.S. State Department has vehemently condemned the attacks on U.S. facilities, expressing concern for the safety and stability of Iraq, the U.S. personnel, and regional partners. The department emphasizes the need for Iraqi security forces to promptly investigate the attacks, arrest the individuals responsible, and bring them to justice. The U.S. government emphasizes its right to self-defense and protection of its personnel worldwide.

Prime Minister’s Reaction

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has strongly condemned the attack on the U.S. Embassy, considering it an unwarranted assault on Iraq’s stability and security. He categorizes the targeting of diplomatic missions as unjustifiable. Al-Sudani has pledged to pursue the perpetrators of the attack and ensure that they face appropriate legal consequences. Despite having the support of Iran-backed parties, al-Sudani also acknowledges the importance of maintaining positive relations with the United States.

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Ongoing Attacks

In the midst of escalating tensions, there have been additional assaults consisting of drone and multi-rocket attacks on various locations in both Syria and Iraq. These attacks have continued despite the condemnation from the U.S. and Iraqi governments, as well as the demand for investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks on U.S. facilities. The attacks have so far resulted in no further casualties or significant damage to the affected bases.

US Retaliatory Actions

To counter and deter attacks on U.S. troops, the U.S. military has launched retaliatory airstrikes on multiple occasions. These airstrikes primarily target weapons depots and other facilities directly linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and the militias supported by Iran. The U.S. has conducted airstrikes three times in Syria since October 17 in response to attacks against its troops. Additionally, multiple sites in Iraq were struck in late-November in response to a militia group firing short-range ballistic missiles at al-Asad airbase, where U.S. forces are stationed.

In conclusion, the recent rocket attack on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has caused minor damage but fortunately, no casualties were reported. Iran-backed militias have consistently claimed responsibility for attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq and Syria, with the frequency of these attacks escalating during the Israel-Hamas war. The U.S. has responded by carrying out retaliatory airstrikes to protect its troops and deter future attacks. Both the U.S. State Department and the Iraqi Prime Minister have condemned the attacks and called for swift action to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. Despite ongoing assaults, efforts to maintain diplomatic relations and stability in the region persist.

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