Rockets Hit Baghdad Green Zone, No Casualties

One of the entrances to Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone on November 24, 2018. (Getty Images)
One of the entrances to Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone on November 24, 2018. (Getty Images)
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Rockets Hit Baghdad Green Zone, No Casualties

One of the entrances to Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone on November 24, 2018. (Getty Images)
One of the entrances to Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone on November 24, 2018. (Getty Images)

At least two rockets hit Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone early on Thursday but caused no casualties, Iraqi security sources said.

One senior Iraqi security official said the rockets were launched from a neighborhood in eastern Baghdad and initial investigations indicate the rockets were targeting the US embassy, but fell short.

One rocket landed in a parking lot inside the Green Zone and a second one hit a nearby empty area, said the sources.

Thursday’s attack comes two days after US President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi sealed an agreement formally ending the US combat mission in Iraq by the end of 2021.

Kadhimi has been facing increasing pressure from Iran-aligned parties and paramilitary groups who oppose the US military role in the country.

US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks earlier this month, including one in which at least 14 rockets hit an Iraqi air base hosting US forces. Two US service members were wounded.

While there were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks - part of a wave targeting US troops or areas where they are based in Iraq and Syria - analysts believed they were part of a campaign by Iranian-backed militias.

The Green Zone hosts foreign embassies and government buildings and is regularly the target of rockets fired by groups that US and Iraqi officials say are backed by Iran.



Lebanese PM Discusses with Syria's Sharaa Relations Between 2 Countries

FILED - 25 June 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati looks on during a meeting with Germany's Foreign Minister Baerbock. Photo: Hannes P Albert/dpa
FILED - 25 June 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati looks on during a meeting with Germany's Foreign Minister Baerbock. Photo: Hannes P Albert/dpa
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Lebanese PM Discusses with Syria's Sharaa Relations Between 2 Countries

FILED - 25 June 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati looks on during a meeting with Germany's Foreign Minister Baerbock. Photo: Hannes P Albert/dpa
FILED - 25 June 2024, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati looks on during a meeting with Germany's Foreign Minister Baerbock. Photo: Hannes P Albert/dpa

Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, in a phone call on Friday with Syria's de facto ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa, discussed relations between the two countries, according to a statement from Mikati's office posted on X, and said that he received an invitation from Sharaa to visit Syria to discuss common files.

Sharaa also affirmed that Syrian authorities took the necessary measures to restore calm on the border between the two countries, the post on X said.

Lebanon's army said Friday that gunbattles erupted on the Lebanese-Syrian border when Syrians attempted to reopen an illegal border crossing using a bulldozer, wounding at least five Lebanese soldiers.
The Lebanese army said its personnel fired warning shots, prompting the Syrians to open fire, wounding one soldier. After the shooting, army units in the area implemented strict security measures and the episode was under investigation, the army said.
Later Friday, the Lebanese army said there were renewed exchanges of fire and four more army personnel were injured.
Meanwhile, Syria’s de facto leadership under the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announced new entry regulations for Lebanese citizens. Lebanese travelers must secure a residence permit or a Syrian sponsor and provide proof of funds worth $2,000 and a hotel booking. Previously, Lebanese citizens were allowed to enter with just a Lebanese ID card.