26 Jan 2020 | 05:10 PM UTC
Iraq: Indirect fire impacts vicinity of Baghdad’s Green Zone January 26 /update 19
US Embassy’s indirect fire alarm sounds as four or five rounds of indirect fire impact vicinity of Baghdad’s Green Zone January 26; exact locations of impacts not immediately reported
Event
The US Embassy in Baghdad's indirect fire alarm has been triggered as of 19:28 (local time) on Sunday, January 26, after four or five rounds of indirect fire impacted the vicinity of the capital's Green Zone. The exact locations of the impacts were not immediately reported. It is probable that the intended target of the indirect fire - like similar attacks in recent weeks - was the US Embassy, and that Iran-aligned Shi'a militia groups are responsible for the attack.
Similar attacks are possible in Baghdad over the near term.
Context
Tensions have increased in Iraq after US forces killed Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, near Baghdad International Airport (BGW) in an airstrike on January 3. Notably, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), was also killed in the strike.
Advice
Individuals in Baghdad and across Iraq are advised to closely monitor developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
