Iraq opens investigations into attacks on diplomatic missions

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said Saturday it has opened investigations into attacks targeting diplomatic missions in the country, after the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad and the UAE Consulate General in Erbil were both struck the same day.

“The competent authorities, under the direction of the prime minister, have begun investigations into some attacks that targeted diplomatic and consular missions,” the ministry said, adding that results would be submitted to senior authorities for legal action.

The ministry said Iraq is “committed” to ensuring the safety of all diplomatic missions and their staff under international law, and that security forces “will not tolerate any acts of violence or attacks targeting diplomatic missions.”

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone was struck early Saturday, with thick smoke seen rising from the compound. The nature of the strike — drone or rocket — has not been confirmed and the embassy has not issued an official statement. The UAE Consulate General in Erbil was hit later the same day, the second attack on it in a week, wounding two security guards.

Iran-aligned factions under the Islamic Resistance in Iraq umbrella — including Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Kataib Imam Ali and Harakat al-Nujaba — have claimed responsibility for numerous drone and rocket attacks on alleged U.S.-linked targets since the war began Feb. 28.

The Kurdistan Region has faced at least 200 drone, missile and rocket attacks since the war began, killing four people and injuring 19, according to Community Peacemaker Teams – Iraqi Kurdistan. The IRGC and Iran-aligned armed groups have claimed responsibility for many of the strikes, which have hit military installations, diplomatic facilities, airports, oil sites and residential areas across Erbil and Sulaymaniyah governorates.