Rockets were fired towards the heavily fortified Green Zone in Iraq's capital Baghdad early on Friday morning, senior Iraqi security officials told The National.
The area houses the US embassy, other diplomatic missions and Iraqi government offices.
Explosions were heard near the US embassy at about 4am on Friday.
The US embassy was attacked by “two salvos of rockets”, a representative said.
“Assessments are ongoing but there are no reported casualties on the embassy compound,” the embassy said.
“At this point, no specific group has claimed responsibility but indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias, which operate freely in Iraq.”
It was the first strike on the Green Zone since Iran-backed militias resumed attacks against US troops, following the start of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7.
An alert called for people to “duck and cover”, social media videos showed.
“We again call on the government of Iraq, as we have done on many occasions, to do all in its power to protect diplomatic and coalition partner personnel and facilities. We reiterate that we reserve the right to self-defence and to protect our personnel anywhere in the world,” the US embassy said.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani for the first time described such attacks as “acts of terrorism” and ordered an investigation and the arrest of those responsible.
“Targeting diplomatic missions is unjustifiable and unacceptable under any circumstances, regardless of the claims and illusions behind these reprehensible actions,” he said.
“The perpetrators of these attacks harm Iraq, its stability and security.
“The outlawed groups do not represent the will of the Iraqi people and do not reflect the national decision expressed by the Iraqi government in the official occasions.”
The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq also condemned the attack, saying diplomatic premises must be protected in line with international law.
“We reiterate that Iraq's stability and security are front and centre in all our engagements,” it said on X, formerly Twitter. “Iraq cannot afford to be drawn into a wider conflict, which would threaten hard-won stability and the achievements made so far.”
US troops stationed at military bases in Iraq and Syria have faced more than 70 attacks since mid-October.
The attacks have been mostly claimed by an umbrella organisation of Iraqi Shiite groups, although diplomatic missions have so far been spared.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the Green Zone attack.
Reuters contributed to this report
Saudi National Day
Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
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Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
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On sale: Now
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Price, base / as tested Dh150,900 / Dh173,600
Engine 2.0L inline four-cylinder
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Manchester City 3 (Silva 8' &15, Foden 33')
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How it works
Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.
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As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.
A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.
Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.
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Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
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UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
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1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
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4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
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5pm: Maiden (PA) | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
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