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

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian walk during a welcoming ceremony at Baghdad International Airport, in Baghdad, Iraq, September 11, 2024. (REUTERS)

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

BAGHDAD: 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-defense.”
The embassy said in a statement there were “no reported casualties” in the attack Tuesday which it said “was initiated by Iran-aligned militia groups which operate freely in Iraq.”
It called on Iraq to protect its personnel and facilities.
The compound, located within the airport perimeter but attached to the US embassy, 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-defense 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.
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.