Multiple rockets have reportedly hit a U.S. led coalition base near the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, though reports suggest the embassy itself was unharmed. It is not clear how much damage or casualties the military base sustained in the attack that took place in the early morning hours on Sunday. Locals report hearing four loud explosions and then seeing a large column of smoke rising near the area of the Zayouna neighborhood in Baghdad.
A smoke column is seen in Zayouna area, #Baghdad. No explosions reported in the periphery of the US embassy in Baghdad according to residents there. pic.twitter.com/UQwhvzvuD6
— ZaidBenjamin (@ZaidBenjamin5) February 16, 2020
There were also local reports of sirens blaring from the area of the U.S. embassy and the sound of jets flying overhead.
??#VIDEO Sirens heard at the #US Embassy in #Baghdad, #Iraq amid reports of rocket attack. #?????? pic.twitter.com/ygqQ13GMuv
— Raveen Aujmaya (@raveenaujmaya) February 16, 2020
Video from Baghdad (3:25 AM local time, 7:25 PM EST) #Baghdad #Iraq pic.twitter.com/x19Z3b1exe
— Steven Nabil (@thestevennabil) February 16, 2020
At least four explosions were heard from the direction of Baghdad green zone where @USEmbBaghdad is located. Sirens went on and Jets are flying over the area.
— Mustafa Salim (@Mustafa_salimb) February 16, 2020
Iraqi security forces deployed around US embassy in #Baghdad #Iraq pic.twitter.com/DFRO1Fw4jj
— BANDIT XRAY ???? ? (@BANDIT_XRAY) February 16, 2020
Rockets, launched by Iran-backed militias, have frequently targeted the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad in recent months.
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