A video posted on social media platform X today, and geolocated by CNN, shows the C-RAM system firing continuously, intercepting at least one target over Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. Other images captured the moment an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crashed in an area believed to be near the US embassy in Iraq, causing a large explosion.
A video shows the C-RAM system firing in Baghdad on the morning of 17/3. *CNN, X/Osinttechnical*
Reuters, citing Iraqi security sources, reported that attackers targeted the US embassy this morning, 17/3, with rockets and at least 5 UAVs. This marked the most intense assault on the facility since the conflict in the Middle East began.
Witnesses at the scene saw at least three UAVs flying towards the US embassy. The deployed C-RAM system shot down two targets, while the remaining device struck the embassy compound, sparking a fire.
Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, stated that several vital facilities, structures, and diplomatic missions in the country have repeatedly endured "unreasonable attacks". These include the US embassy in Baghdad, the Majnoon oil field, and the Al-Rasheed international hotel.
US officials have not yet commented on the information. No individual or organization has claimed responsibility for the attack.
This was not the first attack on the US embassy in Iraq. A security official previously told CNN that two UAVs struck the facility on 14/3. Images published by the Associated Press (AP) showed a charred Giraffe 1X surveillance radar, a device specializing in UAV detection, on the building's roof.
 |
The US C-RAM system fires during an exercise in the Middle East in 12/2025. *US Army*
The counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM) system is deployed by the US in various locations across the Middle East. Its mission is to intercept unguided weapons and inexpensive UAVs, thereby limiting the need to deploy costly air defense missile systems like Patriot.
This system is considered the ground-based version of the Phalanx close-in weapon system used on US and allied warships. Both systems utilize radar and a 20 mm M61 rotary cannon. A C-RAM unit can achieve a firing rate of 4,500 rounds per minute, creating a dense curtain of fire to neutralize incoming targets.
While the Phalanx defense system on warships uses tungsten-core armor-piercing rounds, C-RAM fires high-explosive incendiary tracer self-destructing (HEIT-SD) rounds. This design aims to limit unintended damage on the ground.
Pham Giang (According to CNN, Reuters)
