The US Embassy in Baghdad was hit by a missile on Friday night, striking a helipad within the compound that has been a target for Iranian-backed militants amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The missile breached the heavily fortified "Green Zone" in Baghdad, which houses Iraqi government buildings and foreign embassies, according to two security officials cited by the Associated Press. Video footage posted on social media by Sabereen News, a pro-Iranian militia outlet in Iraq, showed smoke rising from the embassy.
The attack occurred shortly after two fighters from an Iran-backed militant group were killed in Baghdad, as reported by AFP, citing sources. It remains unclear if there were any injuries resulting from the attack.
A security alert issued by the embassy prior to the attack highlighted the threat posed by Iran and allied terrorist militia groups in Iraq. The alert warned of potential attacks on US citizens, interests, critical infrastructure, companies, and energy facilities operated by the US. It also mentioned the risk of attacks on hotels and facilities frequented by foreigners linked to the US, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
In response to escalating tensions, the embassy advised Americans to exercise caution, maintain a low profile, and avoid areas that might make them vulnerable targets. Guidance was also provided for US citizens seeking to depart Iraq.
The missile strike in Baghdad follows a series of retaliatory actions by Iran, including missile and drone strikes on American military bases, embassies, and neighboring Gulf nations since the US initiated Operation Epic Fury two weeks ago. Last week, a suspected Iranian drone strike damaged the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, causing a fire but no severe damage.
President Trump announced the destruction of military targets on Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, in a recent airstrike. Trump stated that while the island's oil infrastructure was spared in the attack, future strikes may target it if Iran interferes with the passage of ships through the critical global trade route, the Strait of Hormuz.
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