Iraqi PM Survives ‘Assassination’ Bid After Drone Targets His Residence

Baghdad: Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt after a drone laden with explosives targeted his residence in Baghdad early on Sunday, but Kadhimi escaped unhurt, the military said.

The attack in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone injured several of Kadhimi’s security guards. The Green Zone houses government buildings and foreign embassies.

The Prime Minister tweeted shortly after the attack: “The rockets of treason will not shake one bit of the steadfastness and determination of the heroic security forces.”

“I am fine and among my people. Thank God,” he added in the post.

A statement from the Iraqi military said that the attack targeted Kadhimi’s residence and that he was in “good health”.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but it comes after protests in the Iraqi capital over the result of a general election last month turned violent, reported Reuters. The protesters are Iran-backed militias.

Western diplomats based nearby in the Green Zone said they heard explosions and gunfire in the area.