Iraq Arrests Attackers Linked to Rocket Strike on US Embassy
Last week, Iraq announced that it had apprehended several individuals responsible for firing rockets at the US embassy in Baghdad. The attack occurred amidst heightened tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, and it has been revealed that some of the attackers had connections to security services.
The rocket attack targeted the US embassy located in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone. This incident was just one in a series of similar attacks that have taken place during the ongoing war in Gaza. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or damages resulting from the attack. While no group claimed responsibility immediately, a US spokesperson stated that “indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias.”
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s office confirmed the arrests and expressed disappointment that some of the suspects had ties to certain security services. The government is determined to bring all those involved in the attack to justice. In a statement, Sudani’s office emphasized that such attacks pose a serious threat to Iraq’s security and stability, as well as damage the country’s reputation and dignity.
Although the statement did not disclose the identities of the suspects or specify which security services they were connected to, a security official in Baghdad revealed that 13 individuals had been arrested, including members of the security forces. It is worth noting that the United States leads an international coalition fighting against jihadists in Iraq and Syria. Consequently, US forces have frequently come under attack in recent weeks and have responded with strikes against Iran-linked fighters.
Pro-Iran groups have justified their attacks by citing US support for Israel. In Iraq, most of these attacks have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a loose coalition of armed groups associated with the Hashed Al-Shaabi coalition. Former paramilitaries from this coalition have now integrated into Iraq’s regular armed forces.
Prime Minister Sudani, who came to power with the support of a pro-Tehran coalition, faces the challenging task of balancing relations between the United States and Iran. In his conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Sudani reiterated Iraq’s commitment to protecting diplomatic missions and coalition advisers. He also pledged to pursue the perpetrators of the rocket attack without any external interference.
The Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7 when Hamas gunmen launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the taking of around 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. In response, Israel initiated a massive military offensive with the aim of destroying Hamas. The offensive has claimed the lives of over 18,600 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.
The recent rocket attack on the US embassy in Baghdad highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the complex dynamics at play. Iraq’s efforts to apprehend the attackers demonstrate its commitment to maintaining security and stability within its borders. As the country navigates its relationships with both the United States and Iran, it will continue to face challenges in striking a delicate balance.