US Embassy in Baghdad hit in missile attack

A missile struck the US Embassy in Baghdad Friday night, hitting a helipad on the sprawling compound that Iranian-backed militants have repeatedly targeted since the conflict in the Middle East began.The projectile breached Baghdad’s heavily fortified “Green Zone” — home to Iraqi government building and foreign embassies — in the latest attack on one of the largest American diplomatic facilities, two security officials told the Associated Press.Smoke was seen rising from the diplomatic mission in a video posted on social media by Sabereen News, a pro-Iranian militia outlet in Iraq.The attack took place shortly after two fighters belonging to an Iran-backed militant group were killed in Baghdad, AFP reported, citing sources. It’s unclear if anyone was injured in the attack. A security alert posted by the embassy hours before the attack warned that “Iran and the terrorist militia groups allied with it pose a significant threat to public safety in Iraq.” “Attacks targeting US citizens, US interests, and critical infrastructure have been observed,” the embassy warned.“These groups have also attacked US companies and energy infrastructure operated by the United States, and they are likely to continue targeting them.“In addition, Iran-aligned terrorist militias have launched attacks on hotels frequented by foreigners and other facilities linked to the United States throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

U.S.citizens also face a risk of kidnapping.”The embassy urged Americans to “exercise vigilance, maintain a low profile, and avoid areas that could make them potential targets” and provided guidance for US citizens wishing to leave Iraq. Since the US launched Operation Epic Fury two weeks ago, Iran has launched a series of retaliatory missiles and drone strikes on American military bases, embassies, and neighboring Gulf nations as fighting intensifies.Last week, the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital city of Riyadh ...