Tension escalated sharply in Iraq after a missile strike reportedly hit the US Embassy Baghdad compound, sending smoke rising above the heavily secured Green Zone. The unexpected attack has intensified fears about the safety of diplomatic missions as regional conflict continues to expand.
Security sources said the projectile landed inside the embassy grounds in Baghdad, damaging part of the facility’s defence infrastructure. Officials confirmed that the attack happened within the Green Zone, a fortified district that hosts Iraqi government offices and several foreign embassies.
According to Iraqi security sources cited by Al Jazeera, the strike affected a portion of the embassy’s air defence system. Meanwhile, security officials who spoke to the Associated Press said the missile struck a helipad located within the diplomatic compound.
Shortly after the incident, videos circulated on social media showing smoke rising from inside the compound. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether any injuries occurred. As investigations continued, details about casualties remained unclear.
Al Jazeera correspondent Mahmoud Abdelwahed, reporting from Baghdad, said authorities were still trying to determine whether anyone had been hurt.
“But we understand that Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq have always pledged to attack US facilities, especially the embassy,” Abdelwahed said.
According to the report, several armed factions have long threatened retaliation against American targets in Iraq. The attack comes after escalating tensions involving Iran-aligned groups operating in the country.
Some of these groups reportedly vowed to avenge the killing of Ali Khamenei, who was said to have been killed along with family members during a U.S.-Israeli strike earlier in the conflict. Abdelwahed explained that certain factions had recently issued threats targeting American diplomats.
“Yesterday, they issued a statement putting $100,000 as a reward to anyone who provides information leading to any US diplomatic personnel inside the country.”
Earlier on Friday, the United States Embassy in Baghdad renewed its highest travel advisory for Iraq. American citizens were advised to avoid travelling to the country because of ongoing security threats. The embassy complex in Baghdad is one of the largest American diplomatic missions worldwide. Over the years, it has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones.
Several armed groups aligned with Iran operate in Iraq under a coalition known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. These factions have claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on US military bases and diplomatic facilities across the region.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s strike reportedly happened shortly after two attacks targeted the Iran-backed militia group Kataeb Hezbollah. Security sources said two members of the militia were killed, including a senior figure.
For years, Iraq has remained a key arena for rivalry between the United States and Iran. However, the situation has worsened since wider hostilities began following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
