Baghdad erupts in chaos; deadly strikes hit near US embassy amid Iran-linked conflict

Baghdad: At least four people have been killed in a series of explosions and air raids in Baghdad, as violence escalates between United States forces and Iran-aligned armed groups in the region.

The fatalities were reported after an air raid targeted a building in the Jadriyah district, believed to be used by the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella group of largely Shia paramilitary factions aligned with Iran.

Security sources indicated that the building may have hosted Iranian advisers. The PMF, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi, is formally integrated into Iraq’s state security forces and has played a significant role in past conflicts, including operations against ISIL.

Drones target US embassy area

Around the same time, multiple drones were launched towards the US Embassy Baghdad located in the heavily fortified Green Zone.

Witnesses reported fire and smoke rising near the embassy compound, while air defence systems intercepted several incoming drones. At least one drone is believed to have struck inside the compound, though there was no immediate confirmation of casualties.

Hotel strike and rising tensions

Earlier, a drone strike hit the Al-Rasheed Hotel, also located in the Green Zone near the embassy. The attack caused a minor fire but no casualties were reported. The hotel is known to host diplomatic missions and foreign personnel.

Security forces were quickly deployed across the area, sealing roads and increasing surveillance amid fears of further escalation.

Retaliatory cycle of attacks

The strikes come amid an ongoing cycle of retaliatory attacks linked to the wider conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Reports suggest the Baghdad incidents may be connected to a suspected US strike earlier in the day on a checkpoint in Al-Qaim, near the Syria border, where several Iraqi personnel were reportedly killed.

Iran-aligned armed groups have repeatedly targeted US military facilities and diplomatic sites in Iraq in recent months, including locations in Baghdad and Erbil.

Wider impact on Iraq

The escalating conflict is also affecting Iraq’s infrastructure, including its oil sector. Drone strikes were reported at the Majnoon oilfield in Basra, though no casualties were confirmed.

The situation has raised concerns about regional stability, particularly as disruptions continue in key global oil routes.

Iraqi authorities have condemned the attacks and called for restraint, warning against further escalation.

As tensions continue to rise, the situation in Baghdad and across Iraq remains highly volatile, with further developments expected as regional powers remain engaged in the conflict.