Attempted assassination of Iraqi Prime Minister: attack in Baghdad carried out with three drones, two of them shot down

Eva Deschamps / November 8, 2021

 

The assassination attempt against the Iraqi Prime Minister on Sunday in Baghdad was carried out by three drones, two of which were shot down by Mustafa al-Kazimi's bodyguard, two security sources said.

 

The three aircraft were launched from a site near the Republic Bridge,  before heading towards the Green Zone where the Prime Minister's residence is located, said one of these sources, adding that two drones were shot down in flight. The third was able to detonate its charge against the house, injuring two of Mr. Kazimi's bodyguards, who escaped unhurt.

 

The attack is the first to target the residence of Mr. Kazimi, who has been in power since May 2020. It comes at a time when parties are negotiating to form parliamentary coalitions based on the preliminary results of the October 10 elections.

  

The United States condemned an apparent act of terrorism that targeted the heart of the Iraqi state, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.