BAGHDAD — A rocket struck Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraq’s government, early on Tuesday morning, according to an Iraqi military statement, the first attack on the area since a new prime minister was sworn in earlier this month.
The Katyusha rocket hit an empty house, causing minor damages. The Green Zone is where government buildings and foreign embassies are located. A preliminary investigation indicated the rocket was launched from the nearby Al-Idrisi neighborhood on Palestine Street, the statement said.
An Iraqi official said the rocket had struck near the U.S. Embassy, without elaborating. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.
RELATED
"This base transfer occurred amid force protection concerns sparked by escalating tensions between the United States and Iran and its proxy militias, which CJTF-OIR said led to an acceleration of the long-term transfer plan."
Previous attacks have frequently targeted the U.S. presence in Iraq, including the embassy and Iraqi bases hosting American troops. The U.S. has blamed Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi militia group backed by Iran, of perpetrating the attacks.
The new administration of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, who came to power earlier this month, is preparing for a strategic dialogue with Washington, expected to take place next month. The talks will touch on security and economic cooperation between both countries.
The issue of militias acting outside of state control is also expected to be on the agenda.
Al-Kadhimi’s government, meanwhile, is scrambling to address a severe financial crisis brought on by falling oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic.
Up to 40,000 Army National Guard soldiers haven't yet gotten the mandated COVID-19 vaccine.
The World War II Navy destroyer has become the deepest wreck to be discovered, according to explorers.
After learning of an upcoming deployment, the soldier began passing information he learned to members of 09A as he proposed and planned a deadly attack on his fellow troops, authorities said.
The C-17 crew brought in special ops to rescue Americans on the ground, evacuated Afghans in danger and transported the remains of U.S. troops.
The female airman faces about another year of advanced skills training before she is assigned to an operational unit.
A ban on Chinese-made products could affect sales of clothing, shoes, baby items, home appliances, electronics, computers, Apple phones and lots more.
Congress appears poised to save five littoral combat ships from an early retirement, but the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee is saying that the fight to ditch the ships is not yet over.
Extremist groups are shifting toward a more militia-style environment, targeting veterans for recruitment, valuing their skills and preying on their patriotism.
President Joe Biden welcomed members of the Wounded Warrior Project to the White House for the group's annual solider ride.
Advocates say racial inequality in access to veterans benefits can upend the lives of Black people who proudly served their country.
Load More