Drone strike hits US diplomatic compound in Baghdad

An unmanned aircraft struck the US diplomatic compound near Baghdad airport, close to a guard tower. According to an internal report by the US State Department, people inside the building were told to take cover immediately, but the incident caused no injuries.

The Washington Post reported that the attackers sent six drones towards the complex, five of which were shot down. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed armed factions, may have been behind the strike.

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense condemned the incident near military bases and promised action against those responsible.

The episode comes amid a wider conflict. According to the Pentagon, the United States and Israel have carried out their most intense air strikes on Iran since the war began.

Tehran has responded with attacks on US bases in Qatar, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates and has warned that it may halt oil exports from the Persian Gulf.

(reuters, mja)