Iraq: US convoy targeted in Hillah city (Babil governorate) on September 21

Event

A US military convoy was reportedly targeted by five roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs) early on Monday, September 21. The attack is reported to have taken place in the al-Imam district, in the north of Hillah city (Babil governorate). Iraqi firefighters and police responded to the incident. No casualties have been reported.

Further attacks against US interests in the vicinity of Hillah are likely in the near term. A heightened security presence is to be expected in the affected area while investigations into the attack continue.

Context

Several incidents involving IEDs have been reported near Hillah city over the past few days. A roadside IED targeted a logistics convoy contracted to the international coalition in the Musayyib district, to the north of the city, on Friday, September 18. Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) also dismantled an IED in the al-Nile subdistrict, to the northeast of Hillah, on Saturday, September 19. No injuries were reported in either incident.

Multiple IED attacks targeting logistics convoys supporting US forces have been reported in Iraq since August, with most such incidents being attributed to Shia militia groups. While the details regarding motivations and perpetrators associated with the attack remain unvalidated, the incidents coincide with an increase of tensions between the US and Shia militias following the second iteration of the US-Iraq Strategic Dialogue held in late August. Recent attacks against convoys have generally utilized low-yield IEDs, presumably designed to hinder the progress of the convoys rather than to kill.

Advice

Those in the area are advised to monitor developments 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.