US blames Iran-linked group for attack on Iraq diplomatic compound

US blames Iran-linked group for attack on Iraq diplomatic compound
by AFP Staff Writers
Baghdad (AFP) Sept 13, 2024

The US embassy in Iraq on Friday blamed Iran-linked groups for an attack this week on a US diplomatic compound at Baghdad airport, warning it retained the right to self-defence.

An explosion rocked the compound located within the perimeter of Baghdad International Airport late Tuesday night. A senior military official said it was caused by two Katyusha-type rockets.

The US embassy in Baghdad said in a statement issued on Friday that the attack was "initiated by Iran-aligned militia groups which operate freely in Iraq".

It said there were no casualties at the facility, which is attached to the US embassy and provides logistical support and medical services, among other things.

The attack occurred amid rising regional tensions over the Gaza war and shortly ahead of a visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Iraq.

In its statement, the US embassy said Iraq had "repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions" and US military personnel in the country "at the government of Iraq's invitation".

"We again call on the government of Iraq, as we have done on many occasions, to protect diplomatic and coalition partner personnel and facilities", it added.

"We reiterate that we reserve the right to self-defence and to protect our personnel anywhere in the world."

A senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP on Wednesday that "two Katyusha-type rockets" had caused the explosion.

"One fell on the wall of the Iraqi anti-terrorist forces compound. The second was inside the base hosting the international anti-jihadist coalition led by Washington."

Major General Tahseen Al Khafaji, a spokesman for Iraq's Joint Operations Command, said in a statement on Wednesday that Iraqi security forces were "unable to determine the origin of the explosion".

US military and civilian facilities in Iraq have come under repeated attack, both by Sunni Muslim extremists and by Shiite armed groups backed by Iran.

The Baghdad airport diplomatic compound was previously targeted in January 2022.

Bases used by US troops came under a barrage of rocket and drone attacks claimed by Iran-backed elements of Iraq's armed forces last winter, triggering retaliatory US air strikes in both Iraq and neighbouring Syria.

The groups said they were acting in solidarity with Gaza and demanded the withdrawal of foreign troops from Iraq.

The Iraqi government responded by opening talks with the US administration on the withdrawal of the remaining US-led troops deployed to the country to fight the Islamic State jihadist group.

Following Tuesday's attack, an influential pro-Tehran armed group, the Hezbollah Brigades, denounced the attack, saying it aimed to "disrupt" Pezeshkian's visit and called on Iraqi security forces to identify those responsible.