Rocket lands near US embassy in Baghdad

Huge Explosion Reported Near US Embassy in Baghdad

Sputnik, 
19 May, 2019

An explosion has reportedly taken place near the Green Zone close to the embassy area on Sunday.

Rockets landed in the Iraqi capital in the vicinity of the United States embassy on Sunday, Sky News Arabia reported citing its source.

Iraqi authorities have not yet commented on the incident. However, Reuters cited two Baghdad-based diplomatic sources as saying that they heard the blast not far from the fortified Green Zone — the area that hosts government buildings and foreign embassies.​

​Earlier in the day, Afaq TV reported that the sound of the explosion was heard from the area where the United States embassy is situated.

READ MORE: Iraq Says Exxon Mobil Foreign Staff Evacuation Has 'Nothing to Do With Threats'

In addition, some media sources reported that warning sirens were triggered by the explosion.

The reports regarding the blast come after earlier this week the US State Department ordered the recall of non-emergency government employees from the US embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Erbil. Additionally, the US State Department urged American citizens to abandon their visits to Iraq because of threats in the region linked to "terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict." 

UNDER ATTACK: U.S. EMBASSY IN BAGHDAD - HEAVY MORTAR FIRE

Hal Turner,

19 May, 2019

The United States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq is under attack at this hour, being hit by numerous barrages of heavy Mortar fire.

This is a developing story as of 1:51 PM eastern US time.  Live Updates to appear below. 

Sirens heard across Green Zone, Baghdad. Numerous blasts heard.

Arab media beginning to report Katyusha rockets hitting the vicinity of the Green Zone in Baghdad.

Eyewitnesses: Falling shells and air raid sirens sounding in the vicinity of the US Embassy in Baghdad

URGENT:

U.S. Marines not only defending Embassy, but deploying with helicopters and HumVee's to CAPTURE attackers.   "Any proof of Iranian Involvement means immediate war."

2:04 PM EDT -- Iraqi security forces have closed the green zone and are now combing the area

Mortars reportedly fired in the Green Zone of Baghdad which mostly has foreign embassies and government buildings. Blasts heard around the US embassy.

US two days ago had asked non-emergency staff to leave Iraq and advised US Citizens to avoid travel.

2:07 PM EDT -- Iran Militia publicly threatening to Kidnap and Kill USA citizens in Iraq.

CONFIRMATION THAT US EMBASSY WAS TARGET OF ATTACK

2:13 PM EDT -- President Trump has reportedly been briefed by the NSA. (SIGINT)

3:03 PM EDT -- IRANIAN BACKED MILITIA RELEASE FOOTAGE CLAIMING ATTACK ON US EMBASSY..

Iranian-backed Shiite militia affiliated Aletejah TV release first footage of rocket attack on US Embassy in Baghdad

3:10 PM EDT -- It is confirmed that IRGC Quds Force was behind the rocket attack at GreenZone of Baghdad during which rockets/Mortars fired by IRGC-backed militias hit in the vicinity of the US Embassy.

IRGC owned Aletejah TV released the first footage of the attack.

 3:50 PM EDT -- The rocket launch pad used to launch a rocket against the Green zone in Baghdad tonight targeting the U.S Embassy, was placed on the service road in front of the Technological university in Baghdad.

4:38 PM EDT -- I am now able to publicly quote Iraqi army spokesman Maj. Gen. Yahya Rasool: A Katyusha rocket landed near an aircraft museum less than a kilometer from the American embassy. According to Arab sources, the area is controlled by Shi'ite militias supporting Iran. 

@realDonaldTrump: If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again

Hal Turner has reported to his subscribers that " 'Soleimani's Badr forces' are already known to be behind the attack."