The attack, involving rocket salvos targeting the heavily fortified US compound in Baghdad’s Green Zone on December 7, resulted in minor damage. Iraq’s security forces have since made several arrests, holding individuals responsible for the assault while actively pursuing others
In a recent development, the Iraqi government has revealed that individuals allegedly involved in the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad last week have ties to the country’s security services. The announcement, made by a spokesperson for the Iraqi prime minister on Thursday, lacked specific details regarding the implicated security services.
The attack, involving rocket salvos targeting the heavily fortified US compound in Baghdad’s Green Zone on December 7, resulted in minor damage. Iraq’s security forces have since made several arrests, holding individuals responsible for the assault while actively pursuing others.
The statement acknowledged a preliminary connection between the suspects and certain security services, with efforts ongoing to identify all involved parties. According to an anonymous Iraqi security official cited by AFP news agency, 13 individuals, including members of security forces, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack on the US embassy, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Iran-backed militias, asserted responsibility for separate attacks on a US airbase in Iraq and another base in eastern Syria on the same day.
These attacks are part of a series that has targeted US facilities in Syria and Iraq since the onset of the Gaza war on October 7, fuelled by discontent over Washington’s strong support for Israel. Amidst the ongoing conflict, the US military reported 84 hits on its facilities, resulting in injuries to approximately 60 service personnel. The US attributes these attacks to Iran-backed militias and has urged Baghdad to take measures to control them.
Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, denounced the recent embassy attacks as “unacceptable and unjustifiable.” Al-Sudani, aligned with a pro-Tehran coalition, pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasising that targeting diplomatic missions undermines Iraq’s “stability and security.”
With approximately 2,500 troops stationed in Iraq and another 900 in eastern Syria, engaged in missions against ISIS, the United States continues to navigate a complex security landscape in the region.