Two Iraqi security officials today told AP that a rocket hit the helicopter landing pad within the US embassy compound in Baghdad. Images from the scene showed fire and a plume of black smoke rising from the area after the incident. This marks the second attack on the area since the Middle East conflict erupted on 28/2.

AFP reporters in Baghdad heard several explosions, followed by ambulance sirens. Some witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the Arasat neighborhood, an area known for the presence of Iran-backed groups.

Smoke rises inside the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. Video: CNN

The US embassy has not yet commented on the information. However, it had previously extended a Level 4 security alert for Iraq, warning that Iran and pro-Tehran militia groups could continue to target US infrastructure and interests.

The attack occurred shortly after two airstrikes targeting the armed group Kataib Hezbollah, killing two members. Kataib Hezbollah, a member of the Islamic Resistance Alliance in Iraq, has close ties to Iran. This militia has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks on US bases since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

The US embassy in Iraq, one of Washington's largest diplomatic facilities globally, has been repeatedly targeted by such groups with rockets and drones.

Smoke rises inside the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, on 14/3. Photo: AFP

The Middle East has been embroiled in conflict since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on 28/2. Iran retaliated by firing rockets and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) at Israel and US bases in Arab countries in the region. The clashes have killed over 2,000 people, primarily in Iran, and impacted many regional countries.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, CNN, Times of Israel)