Smoke rises from US embassy in Baghdad hit by missile strike as Trump threatens Iran | World | News
Smoke rises from the US embassy building in Baghdad, Iraq (Image: AP)
Thick black smoke rose after the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, was hit by a suspected Iranian missile. Reports from Iraq indicate that the US embassy in Baghdad was hit, while some accounts indicate that part of the compound’s air defense system was disabled during the attack.
The missile landed on a helipad on the embassy grounds, causing damage, but it has not yet been confirmed whether there were any casualties, according to two security officials. Security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bullet hit the embassy compound after passing through the Green Zone, the heavily fortified central area of Baghdad where Iraqi government offices and several foreign embassies are located.
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On Friday, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad renewed its Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and Iran-linked militia groups have a history of targeting American citizens, facilities and interests and may continue to do so.
The advisor emphasized that these groups had previously carried out attacks against US personnel and infrastructure and warned that the threat of new incidents remained high.
The incident took place as the United States launched an attack on Iran’s Kharg Island, which Trump described as one of the “most powerful bombing attacks” in the history of the region.
Iran’s semiofficial Fars news agency reported at least 15 explosions on the island and said the attacks targeted an air defense facility, a naval base, the airport’s control tower and a helicopter hangar belonging to an offshore oil company. The outlet added that no oil infrastructure was damaged in the attack.
“A few minutes ago, United States Central Command, under my direction, conducted one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, completely destroying all MILITARY targets on Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Our weapons are the most powerful and advanced the world has ever known, but out of courtesy I have chosen not to Destroy the Oil Infrastructure on the Island. However, if Iran or anyone else does anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider that decision.
“During my First Term and currently, I have built our Military into by far the Most Lethal, Powerful and Effective Force anywhere in the world. Iran has NO ability to defend anything we want to attack – There is nothing they can do about it!”
“Iran will NEVER have nuclear weapons and the ability to threaten the United States, the Middle East, or even the Earth! The Iranian Army and everyone else involved in this Terrorist Regime would be wise to lay down their weapons and save what is left of their country, which is not much! Thank you for your interest in this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
