ISTANBUL
Iraq said Tuesday that targeting the US Embassy in Baghdad constitutes a “terrorist assault” on the country’s sovereignty, condemning the attack as a criminal act.
In a statement on the US social media company X's platform by the media office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the government said outlawed groups had targeted the embassy headquarters in the capital.
Al-Sudani, who is commander-in-chief of the armed forces, directed security agencies and authorities to pursue those responsible and bring them to justice.
The statement warned that targeting diplomatic missions represents a serious violation of international agreements and diplomatic relations and could place Iraq in a difficult position before the international community.
Earlier Tuesday, a fire broke out near the US Embassy compound in Baghdad after it was targeted by three explosive-laden drones, according to an Anadolu reporter on the ground.
The embassy’s air defense system intercepted and destroyed two drones, while a third struck a wall of the compound, sparking a fire in the surrounding area.
The government stressed that it would not tolerate any party attempting to undermine security in Baghdad or other Iraqi cities or exploit weapons outside the authority of the state.
The attack came as the US and Israel have continued a joint offensive on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far around 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.