Drone said to strike US diplomatic facility in Iraq; Iran-backed militia suspected

A drone struck a major US diplomatic facility in Iraq on Tuesday in suspected retaliation by pro-Tehran militias over the US-Israeli war on Iran, the Washington Post reports, citing an unidentified security official and an internal US State Department alert.

The strike hit the diplomatic support center, a logistical hub for US diplomats near Baghdad airport and Iraqi military bases, the Post reports.

It’s not clear from the report whether there were any injuries. The White House, US State Department and Pentagon don’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Post reports that six drones were launched toward the compound in Baghdad, one of which hit the US facility while five were shot down. The security official, who the Post says spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive security situation, isn’t aware of any casualties.

The State Department issued an internal alert saying a drone hit near a guard tower and that individuals at the facility were ordered to “duck and cover,” according to the Post.

The attack was likely carried out by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed factions, the Post reports, citing the security official.