Explosions Reported Near US Embassy in Baghdad
This is a developing story.
Explosions have been reported in Baghdad as anti-U.S. demonstrations continue to intensify near the U.S. Embassy in the city's heavily fortified Green Zone, according to local media and eyewitness accounts.
Protesters, many aligned with pro-Iranian factions, have repeatedly attempted to breach security barriers, prompting clashes with Iraqi security forces who deployed tear gas and other crowd-control measures.
The incidents come amid the broader U.S.-Israel-Iran war, now in its eighth day, which has seen Iranian retaliatory strikes on U.S. assets across the region.The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert on March 6, warning of potential threats from Iran-aligned militias, including possible attacks on hotels frequented by foreigners in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.
The alert emphasized ongoing riots, protests, and demonstrations against the United States, particularly around Tahrir Square and the July 14th Bridge, with calls for additional actions throughout Iraq.
U.S. citizens were strongly advised to depart Iraq if possible or shelter in place with essential supplies.
Reports of explosions near the embassy date back to the onset of the conflict, triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, including the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
On March 1 and 2, hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters clashed with security forces, with sounds of blasts attributed to tear gas canisters, rockets, and drones targeting the embassy compound.
Chants of "Donald Trump is a Tyrant" were heard as mobs stormed barriers, leading to the embassy's temporary closure.
More recent incidents include drone strikes on U.S. bases in Iraq, such as near Baghdad International Airport and in Erbil, where explosions were heard following attacks on March 3 and 5.
Iranian forces and proxies have targeted U.S. assets in retaliation for the ongoing bombardments, with interceptions of drones and missiles reported across the region.
The U.S. Travel Advisory for Iraq highlights high risks of terrorism, violence, and kidnapping, advising against all travel due to improvised explosive devices, indirect fire, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
As of March 7, U.S. forces in the Middle East continue to face air raid sirens and explosions, with the State Department facilitating evacuations for thousands of Americans stranded amid airspace closures.
Similar attacks have hit U.S. embassies in other Gulf states, including Riyadh, Kuwait, and Dubai, leading to closures and evacuations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologized to neighbors for strikes but warned of responses if provoked.
Iraqi authorities have not issued statements on today's events, and the U.S. Embassy has reiterated calls for Americans to maintain a low profile and avoid areas associated with U.S. interests.