Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah sets conditions to pause attacks on US embassy

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah ‌said on Wednesday it would suspend attacks on the US embassy ⁠for five days with conditions.

The conditions listed by the group in a statement included Israel's halt of ‌displacing ⁠and striking residents of Beirut's southern suburbs and a commitment ⁠to not shelling residential areas in Baghdad ⁠and other provinces.

Warning of “direct and concentrated” retaliation if the conditions are breached, the group signalled that the pace of attacks will pick up after the five-day period ends.

Early on Wednesday, a drone attack targeted the US embassy in Baghdad ‌and an explosion was heard in the area, security sources said, a day after a series of ⁠strikes.

Security sources had said on Tuesday that rocket and drone attacks had targeted the embassy, triggering sirens with an explosion heard near the diplomatic compound.

At least three explosive drones also targeted ‌a ⁠US diplomatic facility near Baghdad International Airport, activating C-RAM air defence systems, the sources said on Tuesday.

Tehran-backed ⁠militias have been attacking US interests in Iraq in retaliation for the US-Israeli war on ⁠Iran that began on February 28.

There were no immediate ⁠reports of casualties or damage.

The Iraqi government condemned the attacks, describing them as a “terrorist attack” on Iraq’s sovereignty and interests, warning they could have serious consequences for the country’s security and international relations.