Two rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone day after Iran missile strikes
Attack came nearly 24 hours after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at US bases in Iraq
January 09, 2020
BAGHDAD: Two rockets crashed late Wednesday into Baghdad’s Green Zone, the high-security enclave where foreign embassies including the US mission are based, security sources told AFP.
Just before midnight, AFP correspondents in Baghdad heard two loud blasts followed by the wailing security sirens of the Green Zone.
The attack came nearly 24 hours after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing American and other coalition forces, which did not cause casualties.
The strikes were in retaliation for a US drone strike that killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis last week.
Muhandis had been the deputy head of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a web of armed groups incorporated into the Iraqi state but which also have close ties to Tehran.
Read also: Iran says it respects sovereignty of Iraq, a day after missiles launch
The United States had accused Hashed groups of being behind a string of rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad and bases hosting American troops across the country.
On Wednesday, the Hashed’s hardline factions vowed they, too, would take revenge for the US raid.
Paramilitary chief Qais al-Khazali — blacklisted as a "terrorist" by the US — said Iraq’s response to the US "will be no less than the size of the Iranian response."
Harakat al-Nujaba, a hardline Hashed faction, vowed to avenge Muhandis.
"To American soldiers: Do not close your eyes. Revenge for the martyr Muhandis is coming at the hands of Iraqis — until the last soldier among you leaves," it said.
US has restored 'level of deterrence' on Iran: Pentagon
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday said Washington had re-established some deterrence toward Iran in the wake of the January 3 drone strike that killed Soleimani.
Esper also downplayed the firing of two rockets into Baghdad's fortified Green Zone late Wednesday, where the US and other foreign embassies are located and many US troops are based.
Read also: Trump says Iran standing down, US 'ready to embrace peace'
"We should have some expectation that the Shia groups, either directed or not directed by Iran, will continue in some way, shape or form to try and undermine our presence there, either politically or, you know, take some type of kinetic actions against us or do Lord-knows-what," Esper told reporters.
Iran standing down, US 'ready to embrace peace': Trump
On Wednesday US President Donald Trump offered peace to Iran, saying Tehran was "standing down" after missile strikes on US troop bases in Iraq that resulted in no American or Iraqi deaths.
Trumps comments came as tensions between Washington and Tehran soared.
Will strike 'resounding blow' if Israel is attacked: Netanyahu warns Iran
Addressing a press conference at the White House, Trump said the targeted military bases suffered 'minimal damage' owing to "precautions and an early warning system" that helped save lives when the missiles were fired.
"The American people should be happy. I am pleased to announce that no US soldiers were hurt in the attack last night by the Iran regime," he said. "Iran seems to be standing down which is good for all parties concerned and a very good thing for the world," he said.
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