Rockets and at least five drones were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad early on Tuesday from areas around the city, Iraqi security sources said, describing the attack as the most intense since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran.
A Reuters witness saw at least three drones heading in the direction of the embassy.
The C-RAM air defence system shot down two of them while a third struck inside the embassy compound, from which fire and smoke could be seen rising, the witness said.
A large explosion was seen near the US Embassy compound in Baghdad in the early hours on Tuesday. Storyful
An explosion was heard in the Iraqi capital, another Reuters witness said.
US embassy mobile phones were switched off when Reuters called seeking comment.
Iranian backed militias have been attacking US interests in Iraq in retaliation for the war which began on February 28.
On Monday, Iran-aligned group Kataib Hezbollah announced the death of its senior commander and spokesperson, and Popular Mobilization Forces said air strikes killed at least eight of its fighters in the Iraqi town of al-Qaim near Syria.
Smoke rises as debris falls to the ground as a C-RAM air defence system intercepts drones during reported drone and rocket attacks on the US embassy on Tuesday. via REUTERS
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Smoke and fire rise during reported drone and rocket strikes at the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. via REUTERS
Iraqi security forces have been deployed across parts of the capital and closed Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and diplomatic missions including the US embassy.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.