The drone attack targets Iraqi prime minister and he escapes unharmed, the military says Reuters

BAGHDAD (Reuters) – An explosive-laden drone struck the headquarters of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Baghdad on Sunday morning, when the Iraqi army called it an assassination attempt, but Kadhimi said it was unharmed.

The attack, security sources said, injured several members of Kadhimi’s personal protection after protests erupted in the Iraqi capital following last month’s general election.

Groups led by protests and complaints about the outcome of the October vote are highly armed militias backed by Iran, which lost much of their parliamentary power in the election. They have complained of irregularities in the number of votes and the counting of votes.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on Kadhimi’s residence in the fortified Baghdad Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies.

A statement from the Iraqi army said the attack had hit Kadhimi’s residence and was “in good health”. He did not give further details.

Kadhimi’s official Twitter account (NYSE 🙂 said the prime minister was safe and asked for calm.

Two government officials said Kadhimi’s residence had been hit by at least one explosion and confirmed to Reuters that the prime minister was safe.

Security sources told Reuters that six members of Kadhimi’s personal shelter outside his residence were injured.

Western diplomats stationed in the Green Zone said they heard explosions and gunfire in the area.

Proponents of Iran’s pro-Iranian militias, which have increased power in parliament and government in recent years, have denounced voter fraud and irregularities in counting the results of the October 10 elections.

Protests by supporters of the parties discussing the results of the vote turned violent on Friday as protesters threw stones at police near the Green Zone, injuring several agents.

Police replied with crying gases and straight shots, and at least killed a demonstrator, according to Sources of Safety and Hospital in Baghdad.

Independent analysts say the election results were a reflection of anger against Iran-backed armed groups, accusing them of taking part in the killings of nearly 600 protesters who took to the streets in separate anti-government demonstrations in 2019.