Iraq: Rocket attacks target Baghdad International Zone and airport October 5

Event

Unconfirmed reports state that five rockets were fired towards Baghdad International Airport (BGW) and the city's International Zone in the early hours of Monday, October 5, causing no casualties or significant damage. At least one of two rockets believed to have been fired towards the US embassy in the International Zone impacted south of the Tigris River in the Jadriyah district, around 1km (0.6 miles) south of the embassy, at 01:42 (local time), causing minor structural damage. In a separate attack, three projectiles are reported to have been fired towards Baghdad International Airport from the Al-Jihad area of the city, impacting in the vicinity of the airport but causing no significant damage.

Further indirect fire attacks targeting BGW, the International Zone, and other US interests in Iraq are likely in the medium term.

Context

Multiple rocket attacks have targeted BGW and Baghdad's International (Green) Zone in recent months, with the incidents generally being attributed to Shia militia groups targeting US interests in the city. The rockets have generally caused limited damage and casualties. However, five civilians were killed on September 22 when a rocket fired towards BGW overshot the airport and hit a residence in the Albu-Amir area.

Advice

Those in Baghdad 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.