A missile struck the US Embassy compound in Baghdad overnight, Iraqi security officials said Saturday, sending smoke rising over one of the largest American diplomatic facilities in the world.
The projectile reportedly hit a helipad inside the sprawling embassy complex, located in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, an area that houses Iraqi government institutions and foreign embassies.
According to Iraqi security sources cited by Reuters, the embassy was hit in a missile attack that caused smoke to rise from the building, though details about the extent of the damage were not immediately available.
Two Iraqi security officials told The Associated Press that the missile struck a helipad inside the embassy compound. Associated Press footage captured a column of smoke rising Saturday morning over the embassy complex, confirming the strike within the diplomatic zone.
Attack breaches fortified Green Zone
The missile reportedly breached Baghdad’s heavily protected Green Zone, which is designed to safeguard key Iraqi government buildings and diplomatic missions.
The attack occurred late Friday night, marking the latest strike on the US diplomatic mission since tensions escalated across the Middle East.
The US Embassy compound in Baghdad is one of the largest American diplomatic facilities in the world and has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones launched by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq.
Possible link to militant deaths
According to AFP, the attack took place shortly after two fighters belonging to an Iran-backed militant group were killed in Baghdad, though it remains unclear whether the incidents are directly connected.
Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone was injured in the missile strike.
Video shared on social media by Sabereen News, a media outlet linked to pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, showed smoke rising from the embassy compound after the strike.
Warning of possible attacks hours earlier
Just hours before the attack, the US Embassy renewed a Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning of serious threats from Iran and militia groups aligned with Tehran.
The security advisory stated that Iran and Iran-aligned militia groups have previously carried out attacks against US citizens, interests, and infrastructure in Iraq and may continue targeting them.
The embassy also warned that Iran-aligned terrorist militias have attacked hotels frequented by foreigners and facilities linked to the United States throughout Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
The alert further highlighted the risk of kidnapping for US citizens in the country.
American citizens in Iraq were urged to exercise vigilance, maintain a low profile, and avoid areas that could make them potential targets. The embassy also provided guidance for US citizens seeking to leave Iraq due to the escalating security situation.
There was no immediate official comment from the US Embassy in Baghdad regarding the missile strike.
Similar attack in Saudi Arabia last week
The Baghdad strike follows another recent incident in the region.
Last week, the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was damaged in a suspected Iranian drone strike, which sparked a fire at the compound.
Officials said the Riyadh embassy was not severely damaged, but the attack underscored the increasing risks facing US diplomatic missions in the region.
