Iraqi militias escalate pressure as rockets, drones hit US embassy

BAGHDAD – Rockets and at least five drones were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad early on Tuesday from areas around the city, Iraqi security sources said, describing the attack as the most intense since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran.

A witness saw at least three drones heading in the direction of the embassy. The C-RAM air defence system shot down two of them while a third struck inside the embassy compound, from which fire and smoke could be seen rising, the witness said.

An explosion was heard in the Iraqi capital, another witness said.

US embassy mobile phones were switched off when reporters called seeking comment.

Iranian backed militias have been attacking US interests in Iraq in retaliation for the war which began on February 28.

On Monday, Iran-aligned group Kataib Hezbollah announced the death of its senior commander and spokesperson, and Popular Mobilisation Forces said air strikes killed at least eight of its fighters in the Iraqi town of al-Qaim near Syria.

Also on Monday, Iraq’s interior ministry said that a drone hit a hotel in Baghdad without causing casualties or material damages.

Security sources earlier said a drone hit Al-Rasheed hotel in the Green Zone as fire and smoke were seen rising.

After examination, it was determined a drone had collided with the hotel’s upper fence, the ministry said, condemning any attempts to target diplomatic envoys in the country.

Security sources also earlier said two Katyusha rockets were fired at the US embassy in Baghdad.

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 US embassy.