The Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias, today released a video of a first-person view (FPV) drone flying low and striking multiple targets at the US Embassy's Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center.
The first drone approached an active surveillance radar, then crashed into it and exploded, causing a fire. The IRI stated it was an AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel surveillance radar, valued at 5-7 million USD, which specializes in early warning and providing target parameters for short-range air defense systems.
Iraqi militia drone attacks US radar, helicopter in video released on 25/2. Video: IRI
The second drone flew over several areas within the base before targeting a UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopter parked in an open area. The device crashed down, but it is unclear which part of the helicopter was hit or the specific extent of the damage.
US Central Command (CENTCOM), responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, has not yet commented on the information.
Groups within the IRI network typically use this name when conducting attacks against the US and its allies in the Middle East. The IRI does not represent the Iraqi government and operates outside the command structure of the Iraqi army.
However, many IRI members also participate in the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMU/PMF), which are militia units integrated into the Iraqi army and report directly to the country's prime minister.
Since the outbreak of hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran on 28/2, Tehran-backed militia groups in Iraq have repeatedly attacked US infrastructure, including the US Embassy in Baghdad.
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Baghdad residents marched on 24/3 to commemorate those killed in an airstrike suspected to be carried out by the US. Photo: AFP
On 24/3, the PMF accused the US of an airstrike on their headquarters in Anbar province, which killed commander Saad al-Baiji and 14 militiamen. Iraqi security sources stated the attack targeted a meeting attended by several senior PMF commanders.
The Iraqi Ministry of Defense later reported that 7 soldiers were killed and 13 injured in an airstrike targeting a PMF facility and a military medical station in western Anbar. The strike hit a clinic and a nearby Iraqi engineering unit.
Nguyen Tien (According to CNN, Al Jazeera, AFP)
