The Iraqi army reported that the home of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in Baghdad was hit by a drone loaded with explosives on the night from Saturday to Sunday. The head of government was not injured.
The army speaks of a failed liquidation attempt. According to security sources, six security guards for the prime minister stationed outside his residence were injured.
The attack happened just as several hundred supporters of pro-Iranian groups were protesting with sit-ins at the entrance to the so-called Green Zone in the Iraqi capital, which also houses the prime minister’s residence. Government offices and foreign embassies are also located in this highly secured zone. The protesters disagree with the results of the October 10 parliamentary elections.
The prime minister announced on Twitter that he was okay. “I call for calm and restraint from everyone in the interest of Iraq.”
The United States condemns the drone attack. “We are relieved to hear that the Prime Minister was unharmed. This apparent act of terrorism, which we strongly condemn, was directed against the heart of the Iraqi state,” the US State Department spokesman said.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Western diplomats based nearby in the Green Zone said they heard explosions and gunfire in the area.
On Friday, protests by supporters of parties contesting the election results turned into violent clashes with police. Officers were pelted with stones, and several police officers were injured. The police then fired tear gas and bullets at the protesters, killing at least one protester.