U.S. Embassy in Baghdad Attacked by Drones; C-RAM Air Defence System Activated

Escalating tensions in the Iraqi capital intensified following a series of aerial attacks targeting the U.S. Embassy complex in Baghdad on Tuesday morning local time. Geolocated video footage verified by CNN showed the air defence system working intensively to repel projectiles just hundreds of metres from the diplomatic complex.

In video confirmed by CNN, visible muzzle flashes from the air defence system were consistent with characteristics of the U.S. Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) system. Explosions in the sky confirmed attempts to intercept incoming projectiles.

The tense situation was captured in video showing residents in the field warning each other. “Careful, brother, of the bullet fragments,” said one voice in the recording.

Another video taken from approximately 1,000 metres away showed the moment a projectile, strongly suspected to be a drone, struck an area near the embassy. Although the defence system continued firing into the sky, the drone appeared to crash to the ground and triggered a large explosion.

Eyewitnesses in the recording were heard screaming as the impact occurred. “There it is, there it is. Hit, hit, hit, hit!” one shouted. The voice then asked anxiously, “What is that? A flying drone?”

This attack adds to a growing list of threats against U.S. facilities. Previously on Saturday, two drones were reported to have struck the U.S. Embassy, triggering smoke and fire from buildings around the complex.

In response to the series of incidents, Iraqi Armed Forces spokesman Sabah al-Numan issued an official statement through the Iraqi Prime Minister’s office. He emphasised that “unjustifiable attacks” have repeatedly targeted vital facilities, installations, and diplomatic missions.

Besides the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, al-Numan detailed that attack targets also included the Majnoon oil field and the Al-Rasheed International Hotel. The Iraqi government described these actions as serious violations threatening national and international security stability in the region.

To date, authorities continue assessing total damage and potential casualties from the explosions in the heart of the Iraqi capital.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have intensified following drone attacks on U.S. facilities in Baghdad amid the Iraq-Iran conflict. Iran stated that Iranian armed forces had launched strikes against alleged Israeli and American positions in the Middle East. This step was taken alongside U.S. efforts in conducting joint operations with Israel against Iran. Hizbullah said the attack was in response to Israeli criminal aggression targeting dozens of cities and settlements in Lebanon, including Beirut’s southern suburbs.