The Prime Minister of Iraq Mustafa Al-Kadhimi on Sunday survived an assassination attempt after an explosive-laden drone attacked his residence.
The country’s military said that Al-Kadhimi had not been harmed and was in good health. The military added, that security forces were “taking the necessary measures in connection with this failed attempt.”
Al-Kadhimi took to Twitter after the attack and requested “calm and restraint from everyone.” He wrote in the tweet, “Thank God, I am fine and among my people.”
Al-Kadhimi added, “I was and still am a redemption project for Iraq and the people of Iraq. The missiles of treachery will not discourage the believers and will shake a hair of the stability and determination of our heroic security forces to preserve people’s security, achieve justice, and set the law in place”.
As per reports, a source close to the Iraqi leader informed that Al-Kadhimi was on his way back from overlooking security forces engaged in a stand-off with protesters at the southern gate of the Green Zone at the time of the drone attack. The Green Zone is a heavily fortified area of Baghdad that encompasses the Prime Minister’s residence amongst other government and diplomatic buildings.
According to the reports, a booby-trapped drone targeted his location just as he was entering his residence resulting in wounding a number of his residence guards and causing minor damage.
The US State Department was quick to condemn the act as it released a statement describing the attack as the “apparent act of terrorism”. The spokesperson Ned Price said, “We are in close touch with the Iraqi security forces charged with upholding Iraq’s sovereignty and independence and have offered our assistance as they investigate this attack”.
The assassination attempt came in the midst of heightened tensions within the capital but no one has claimed responsibility yet.
According to health officials, one person was killed and dozens were wounded on Friday following clashes between the supporters of Iran-backed militias and Iraqi security forces near the Green Zone.
After losing seats in the parliament during Baghdad’s elections earlier last month, parties representing Iran-backed militias called for protests infuriating militia leaders as well as sparking several protests and sit-ins during the past weeks.
