Two Katyusha rockets were fired near the US Embassy in the Green Zone in Baghdad, according to the Iraq Security Media Cell on Sunday.
The Iraq military said the American embassy's C-RAM defense system was able to intercept and destroy one of the rockets in the air Saturday. However, a second landed in a nearby square damaging two civilian cars.
#BREAKING #IRAQ #USA
— loveworld (@LoveWorld_Peopl) December 19, 2021
? IRAQ: ATTACK TO US EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD ON SATURDAY NIGHT!
Following the Sirens in US Embassy, 2 explosion were heard.
C-RAM'S are activated.
One Impact confirmed inside the Green Zone, other one destroyed. #BreakingNews #Video #Attack #RocketAttack pic.twitter.com/IWPQ6yx6af
"Security forces began an investigation process to locate the launch site," a statement reads.
The U.S. government has not yet publicly addressed the rocket strike, and it was not immediately clear what group was behind the attack.
The Green Zone is often a target for rockets and drone strikes because it also houses other foreign diplomatic missions including the British, Australian and Egyptian embassies along with other government buildings.
Earlier this month, the Defense Department announced that the U.S. military had ended its combat mission in Iraq. However, the military said about 2,500 troops would remain to serve in advisory and support roles.
"Many brave men and women gave their lives to ensure Daeshnever returns, and as we complete our combat role, we will remain here to advise, assist, and enable the ISF, at the invitation of Republic of Iraq," Maj. Gen. John W. Brennan, Jr. said in a statement. "We are confident that the fruits of our strong partnership will ensure Daesh will not reconstitute and threaten the Iraqi people."
Iraq: Moment rockets are fired at US Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone: Moment rockets are fired at US Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone. Rockets are fired at the US Embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone two weeks after warnings of possible attacks by Iranian-backed https://t.co/m8gcQDk5pt pic.twitter.com/9nDrdhNdmS
— World News 24 (@DailyWorld24) December 19, 2021
That announcement came after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Iraqi Defense Minister Sadun al-Jaburi last month to ensure that U.S. forces would remain "at the invitation of the Iraqi government to support the Iraqi Security Forces."
The United States had agreed that there would be no American soldiers serving in a combat role in Iraq during the July 2021 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Dialogue.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Iran-backed militias in Iraq have threatened to attack U.S. troops if they remain in Iraq after Dec. 31.
This article has been adapted from its original source.