Four killed in drone attack on US embassy in Baghdad

Drone and rocket attacks targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, early on Tuesday morning, March 17. Simultaneously, another attack on a house, believed to be housing Iranian advisers, killed four people.

Security officials confirmed that four people died in the attack on the house. Analysts believe these incidents are drawing Iraq deeper into the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to AFP news agency.

An AFP journalist reported seeing black smoke rising from the embassy compound following an explosion, while air defence systems successfully intercepted another drone.

Hours earlier, air defence systems thwarted a rocket attack attempt on the US embassy located in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone. Simultaneously, a drone strike caused a fire at a luxury hotel in the area, a hotel known to be frequented by foreign diplomats.

Iraq has long been used as a battleground for proxy conflicts between the United States and Iran. However, in the context of the recent Middle East war, the country has become more directly involved in the conflict.

Various Iran-backed armed groups have been claiming almost daily attacks on US interests and installations in Iraq and surrounding regions. US military bases, diplomatic missions and other interests have been among the targets of these attacks.

In response, the United St৳qates has also carried out retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed groups. Analysts believe this has deepened the impact of the US-Iran conflict within Iraq.