Escalation in Baghdad: U.S. Embassy Targeted Amid Tensions

In Baghdad, the U.S. embassy was attacked with rockets and drones early Tuesday, marking the most intense assault since the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran began. Iranian-backed militias retaliated against U.S. interests as tensions escalate following airstrikes and the death of a senior commander.

In a significant escalation of hostilities, the U.S. embassy in Baghdad was bombarded with rockets and drones early Tuesday morning, marking the most intense assault since the start of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, as reported by Iraqi security sources.

Three drones were observed heading toward the embassy, and while U.S. defense systems managed to intercept two, the third struck within the embassy compound, causing visible fire and smoke. Additional witnesses reported hearing an explosion in Baghdad, amid a series of retaliatory strikes by Iranian-backed militias against U.S. interests.

As tensions mount, the Iranian-aligned group Kataib Hezbollah confirmed the death of a senior commander, while the Popular Mobilization Forces reported casualties from airstrikes in al-Qaim. In response, Iraqi security forces have fortified the capital and closed Baghdad's Green Zone, which houses key government and diplomatic sites, including the U.S. embassy.

(With inputs from agencies.)