At least three rockets targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, on December 8, according to reports by the news agency AFP. An Iraqi security official stated that the Katyusha rockets landed on the outskirts of the district housing government and diplomatic buildings. A US military official, choosing to remain anonymous, mentioned that alarms were triggered, and “likely impact sounds” were heard near the US embassy and Union III base, where troops from the international anti-jihadist coalition are stationed.
The official stated, “We are still awaiting official reports regarding casualties and damage to infrastructure, if any. We are also awaiting official reporting on the type of attack.”
In response to the incident, the US embassy urged the Iraqi government to protect its diplomats, stating, “We again call on the government of Iraq… to protect diplomatic and coalition partner personnel and facilities.”
This marks the first attack against the US embassy in Iraq since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7. Over the past few months, there have been several rocket or drone strikes by pro-Iran groups targeting American or coalition forces in various locations within Iraq and Syria.
The rocket attack occurred a day after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, during a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asserted that Baghdad rejects “any attack on Iraqi territory.” Sudani also emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of international coalition advisers present in Iraq.
As of now, no specific terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, and investigations are ongoing to determine the responsible party.
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