US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked by Drones and Rockets as Middle East Tensions Escalate
The compound of the United States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, came under renewed attack in the early hours of Tuesday 17 March local time. The assault involved unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and rockets, triggering explosions within the diplomatic zone.
A security official reported that at least three drones and four rockets were directed at the embassy compound. “At least one drone unit crashed and exploded within the embassy area,” the official stated. AFP journalists at the scene also reported seeing black smoke billowing high from within the compound, whilst the air defence system appeared to have successfully intercepted other projectiles in the air.
The attack occurred only hours after US air defence systems had thwarted a similar rocket attack at the same location.
This escalation is consistent with stark warnings previously issued by Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In February, he asserted that any US military action against Iran would trigger a broader regional conflict. “America must know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” Khamenei stated during a ceremony marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Tensions extend beyond Iraq alone. Iran has reportedly conducted regular attacks on neighbouring countries hosting US military bases or serving as US allies, including Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. In the Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has also tightened control over transiting vessels.
US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at Iran’s boldness in attacking neighbouring Gulf states. In a statement released on Monday, Trump said “nobody expected” Iranian leaders to retaliate with missiles following US and Israeli strikes. “Over the past two weeks, they should not have pursued other countries in the Middle East,” Trump said, as reported by CBS. “Nobody expected that. We were surprised and they fought back. They could have surrendered, but imagine if we were not there. They have extraordinary power.”
The widening conflict has disrupted air transportation routes across the region. The United Arab Emirates closed its airspace again just hours after it had been reopened. Emirates Airlines announced it would operate only “reduced flight schedules” after Dubai’s civil aviation authorities temporarily halted operations at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure following a fire. Similarly, Etihad Airways has limited commercial schedules from Abu Dhabi based on safety and security assessments from relevant authorities.