Drone strike targets US embassy, hotel in Baghdad

The Iraqi Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday at dawn a drone strike on a hotel in the capital, Baghdad, causing no injuries or significant material damage.

According to the ministry, the drone collided with the upper fence of the hotel, after which authorities inspected the site and confirmed no casualties. The hotel targeted in the incident is located in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government institutions and foreign diplomatic missions, including the US embassy.

The Iraqi Interior Ministry condemned the drone attack on the hotel, stating that targeting diplomatic missions operating in Iraq is unacceptable and undermines the rule of law.

Officials also warned that attacks on key sites such as the Majnoon oil field, the Al-Rashid Hotel, and the US embassy could carry serious repercussions for security and stability in the country.

The drone strike on the Al-Rashid Hotel, where flames and smoke were seen rising earlier, came amid escalating regional tensions.

Earlier, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Baghdad reported the activation of the US embassy’s air defense systems in the Iraqi capital. Our correspondent also reported explosions at the US Victory base near Baghdad International Airport, although details regarding the cause of the blasts remain unclear.

Separately, according to Reuters, at least four drones targeted the US embassy compound in Baghdad early Tuesday. Iraqi security sources told local media that two Katyusha rockets were fired toward the embassy area.

In turn, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Baghdad reported two rockets targeted a residential home in the Jadriyah area in central Baghdad, reporting multiple casualties.