In a dramatic escalation, rockets and at least five drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, an attack that Iraqi security forces have described as the most intense since the onset of the Iran conflict.
According to a witness who spoke to Reuters on Tuesday, the embassy’s C-RAM defense system successfully intercepted two drones, although a third managed to strike the embassy.
Video footage obtained by CNN captures the tense moment as air defense systems engaged what appeared to be a drone hovering over Baghdad.
Before a potential explosion, the drone was intercepted about 1,000 meters from the US embassy, showcasing the effectiveness of the defensive measures.
In the background of the footage, a voice can be heard exclaiming, “There it is, there it is,” as the drone is intercepted. The voice continues with urgency, “It hit, it hit, it hit, it hit. What is that? A flying drone?”
“It hit, it hit, it hit, it hit. What is that? A flying drone?”
A drone hit the Al Rasheed Hotel located in Baghdad’s Green Zone – a highly fortified area that is home to the embassy and other government buildings, Al Jazeera reported.
Foreign diplomats and oil company employees often visit the hotel.
Security forces were deployed and armored vehicles blocked access to the Green Zone following the strike.
Iraq’s prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has condemned the attacks.
He vowed the authorities would “hunt down the perpetrators of these acts and bring them to justice immediately.”
“These criminal acts have serious repercussions for our country and undermine the government’s efforts toward reconstruction and prosperity,” his spokesperson said.
The embassy and hotel came under fire – just days after Abu Ali al-Askari, a high-ranking official of the Kataeb Hezbollah militia, was killed in a Baghdad attack.
The Iranian-backed militia group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US government.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces launched ground operations in southern Lebanon Monday, targeting Hezbollah strongholds.
With Post wires
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
