A missile struck a helipad inside the United States embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq, according to Iraqi security officials.
Gatekeepers News reports that two security officials confirmed the incident, noting that the projectile hit the helipad area within the heavily fortified diplomatic complex located in Baghdad’s Green Zone. Footage circulating online showed a column of smoke rising above the compound shortly after the strike.
The sprawling embassy complex, regarded as one of the largest United States diplomatic facilities in the world, has been targeted several times in recent years by rockets and drones linked to Iran-aligned militias operating in Iraq.
Officials said the attack occurred early on Saturday, though there was no immediate confirmation of casualties or the extent of damage caused by the missile. The United States embassy in Baghdad had not issued an official statement on the incident as of the time of reporting.
Prior to the attack, the embassy had renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and allied militia groups had previously carried out attacks against American citizens, interests, and infrastructure in the country and could continue to do so.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and follows a series of security incidents involving US interests across the region, including recent military operations and retaliatory threats involving Iran-linked groups.
The Baghdad Green Zone, which houses Iraqi government buildings and several foreign embassies, remains one of the most heavily guarded areas in the country but has frequently been targeted during periods of regional tension.
