WASHINGTON

Washington will defend its people in the wake of protests at the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, America’s. top diplomat told Iraqi leadership Tuesday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo "made clear" the U.S. "will protect and defend its people, who are there to support a sovereign and independent Iraq," in separate telephone calls with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi and President Barham Salih, said State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus in a statement.

"Both Abdul-Mahdi and Salih assured the Secretary that they took seriously their responsibility for and would guarantee the safety and security of U.S. personnel and property," she said.

Outraged protesters stormed the embassy compound Tuesday, protesting Washington's attacks on armed battalions belong to Iranian-backed Hashd al-Shaabi forces.

At least 25 people were killed last weekend in U.S. airstrikes on positions of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia group, in Iraq and Syria.

Hundreds of protesters gathered early Tuesday near the embassy to show their anger at the attacks.

The Iraqi prime minister said Baghdad condemns the airstrikes on Iraqi military elements and warned those taking part in funeral marches to stay away from foreign buildings and compounds.

"Iraqi security forces will respond to any act of aggression or harassment against foreign embassies in Iraq, and those responsible will face the full force of the law," Abdul-Mahdi said on Twitter.