Iraq: Reports of rocket fire near Baghdad Airport September 6

Event

Three rounds of indirect fire (IDF) have been reported in the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport (BGW) on Sunday, September 6. One of the three rockets is reported to have struck a parking garage at the airport, damaging four vehicles belonging to civilians. It is indicated that the rockets were launched from the Zaytoon area of the town of Abu Ghraib. There have been no reports of casualties and no group has claimed immediate responsibility for the attack, although similar recent IDF attacks in the capital and surrounding areas have been attributed to Shia militias.

The airport incident is the latest in a series of attacks against targets associated with the presence of US troops in Iraq and comes after a supply convoy for US forces in Iraq was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Baghdad's Al-Shuala area late on Saturday, September 5. A police official and a civilian were reportedly wounded in the attack on the convoy.

Further attacks targeting BGW and other targets associated with the presence of foreign troops are expected to continue in the near term.

Context

The last reported use of rocket fire against BGW occurred on August 30 when two rockets landed in the vicinity of Camp Victory. Such attacks have increased in Baghdad recently following a brief lull and these have been attributed to pro-Iranian militias.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to monitor developments, avoid the affected area, 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.