The vicinity of the US embassy in the specially protected Green Zone in central Baghdad came under rocket fire on Thursday, an Iraqi security source told local media.
It was not immediately clear whether the embassy’s air defence systems were activated or whether there was damage. Pentagon deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said that 66 US troops were wounded in a series of attacks on bases in Iraq and Syria. Local media reported:
“Explosions were heard near the US embassy in Baghdad and alarm sirens were activated inside the building. According to preliminary information, several rockets were fired in the vicinity of the embassy.”
US forces at military bases in Iraq and Syria have faced more than 70 attacks since mid-October claimed by an umbrella organisation of Iraqi Shi’ite Muslim armed groups, though diplomatic missions have been spared.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said that the US had communicated indirectly with the Iranian government on the seriousness of the situation. He noted:
“We have made it very clear in other channels to the Iranians how seriously we’re taking this.”
No group immediately claimed responsibility for any attack on the US embassy on Friday, which took place about 4 a.m.
