US intercepts missiles fired at embassy in Iraq

Baghdad – At least three missiles were intercepted after being fired into the area where the US embassy is located in Baghdad on Sunday, authorities said, raising fears of further acts of violence as the anniversary of the assassination of an Iranian general approaches.

The embassy’s missile defense system has intercepted the missiles, three Iraqi military sources said, asking not to be identified. It was not clear if anyone had been injured, but sources indicated damage to some structures and parked vehicles.

The C-RAM anti-missile system was installed by the embassy in the summer of this year at a time when missile attacks on the embassy and its buildings were increasing.

The United States withdrew parts of its personnel from the embassy for a few days as a temporary measure, shortly before the January 3 commemoration of the murder of Iranian General Qassim Soleimani by a US missile.

The assassination of Soleimani sparked anger in the region and shortly afterwards the Iraqi parliament passed a resolution calling for the expulsion of all foreign troops.

The continuation of the missile attacks has been a problem for the Donald Trump administration blaming pro-Iranian militias.

In September, Washington warned Iraq that it will close its embassy in Baghdad if the local government does not take steps to stop the attacks.