Iraqi prime minister survives assassination bid with drones

3 years ago 320

By: The Associated Press & Scripps National

BAGHDAD (AP) — The Iraqi authorities says Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination effort with an equipped drone and helium is unharmed.

In a connection released Sunday, the authorities said an explosives-laden drone tried to deed al-Kadhimi’s location successful Baghdad’s heavy fortified Green Zone area.

Residents of Baghdad heard the dependable of an detonation followed by gunfire from the absorption of the Green Zone, which houses overseas embassies and authorities offices.

Seven of al-Kadhimi’s information guards were injured successful the attack, Iraqi officials say.

The premier curate aboriginal appeared connected Iraqi tv seated down a desk, looking calm and composed. His near manus appeared to beryllium wrapped successful a bandage.

Troops and patrols person present been deployed astir Baghdad.

There was nary assertion for the onslaught Sunday, but suspicion instantly fell connected Iran-backed militias who had publically issued threats against al-Kadhimi. They denied involvement.

The onslaught marks a large escalation amid tensions sparked by the refusal of Iran-backed militias to judge past month’s parliamentary predetermination results.

Two Iraqi politicians archer The Associated Press that a apical Iranian wide visited Baghdad aft the drone attack. He said Tehran and its allies had thing to bash with it.

The politicians quoted the wide arsenic saying Tehran is not opposed to immoderate person named by the Shiite blocs successful the recently elected parliament to go the adjacent premier minister.

Iran enjoys wide power successful Iraq done almighty militias it has been backing for years. Iran and Iraq some person bulk Shiite populations

President Joe Biden released this connection connected the attack:

“I powerfully condemn the violent onslaught targeting the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi. I americium relieved the Prime Minister was not injured and commend the enactment helium has shown successful calling for calm, restraint, and dialog to support the institutions of the authorities and fortify the ideology Iraqis truthful richly deserve.

The perpetrators of this violent onslaught connected the Iraqi authorities indispensable beryllium held accountable. I condemn successful the strongest presumption those utilizing unit to undermine Iraq’s antiauthoritarian process.

I person instructed my nationalist information squad to connection each due assistance to Iraq’s information forces arsenic they analyse this onslaught and place those responsible. The United States stands firmly with the authorities and radical of Iraq arsenic they strive to uphold Iraq’s sovereignty and independence.”