The Iraqi prime minister’s residence was hit by a drone attack on Sunday night. The Prime Minister is unharmed.
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– My home was subjected to a treacherous act. I and those I work with are safe, said Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi after the drone attack.
His residence is located in the strictly guarded green zone of Baghdad.
Residents of Baghdad heard the sound of an explosion, and then sound of firearms, from the direction in which the green zone is located. The area is home to government offices and foreign embassies, including the US Embassy.
Security sources first stated that it was a rocket attack, but later the authorities stated that it was an attack carried out with an armed drone. In a statement via state media in Iraq, the authorities state that the drone was equipped with an explosive device and that an attempt was made to steer the drone towards the prime minister’s residence.
Three drones are said to have been used in the attack, two of which were shot down, according to security sources.
Uneasy after the election
A large number of security forces were stationed in and around the area after the attack, according to a security source.
– The security forces are now taking the necessary steps in connection with this failed attempt, it is stated in the statement from the government.
The Prime Minister himself sent out a statement asking people to remain calm after the attack. It was not clear until Sunday night who was behind it.
The attack took place during demonstrations in Iraq against the result of elections at the new National Assembly on October 10, in which Iranian-friendly groups suffered significant defeats. Hundreds of supporters of the Iranian-friendly Shiite militia have, since the election result became clear, lived in tents that they have set up outside the green zone.
The green zone in Baghdad has repeatedly been the target of rocket and drone strikes.
–The United States and Norway condemn
The United States condemns the drone attack on the prime minister’s residence.
– We are relieved that the Prime Minister is unharmed. This apparent act of terrorism, which we strongly condemn, was directed at the heart of Iraq’s state apparatus, said US State Department spokesman Ned Price.
“We are in close contact with Iraqi security forces responsible for maintaining Iraq’s sovereignty and independence, and we have offered our assistance in investigating the attack,” Price added.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemns the attack.
“Terrorism, violence and illegal acts must not be allowed to undermine Iraq’s stability and trace the democratic process in the country,” the ministry wrote. Twitter.
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