US blames Iran-linked groups for Tuesday attack on Iraq diplomatic compound

The US embassy in Iraq on Friday blamed Iran-linked groups for an attack this week on a US diplomatic compound at Baghdad airport, warning it retained “the right to self-defense.”

The embassy said in a statement there were “no reported casualties” in the attack Tuesday, which it said “was initiated by Iran-aligned militia groups which operate freely in Iraq.”

It called on Iraq to protect US personnel and facilities.

The compound, located within the airport perimeter but attached to the US embassy, provides logistical support and medical services, among other things.

The attack occurred amid rising regional tensions over the Israel-Hamas war, and shortly ahead of a visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Iraq.

In its statement, the US embassy said Iraq had “repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions” and US military personnel in the country “at the government of Iraq’s invitation.”

“We again call on the government of Iraq, as we have done on many occasions, to protect diplomatic and coalition partner personnel and facilities,” it added.

“We reiterate that we reserve the right to self-defense and to protect our personnel anywhere in the world.”

A senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP on Wednesday that “two Katyusha-type rockets” had caused the explosion.

The continued presence of US troops in Iraq remains a concern for Iran.

Since the Hamas terror group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel last year, which started an ongoing war, Iraqi militias allied with Iran have repeatedly targeted US forces in Iraq, leading to American airstrikes targeting the militias.

Iraqi politicians continue to debate the issue of whether to back having American troops remain in the country.

AP and Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.