Iraqi prime minister calls for restraint after drone assassination attempt fails
- Mustafa al-Kadhimi escaped unhurt after a drone laden with explosives targeted his residence in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone
- It comes amid a stand-off between security forces and pro-Iran Shiite militias whose supporters have been camped outside the Green Zone for weeks
The attack in Baghdad’s Green Zone early on November 7 was the first to target the home of Kadhimi, who has been in power since May 2020. It came as Iraq’s political parties negotiate alliances over who will run the next government after elections last month.
The assassination attempt with armed drones is a major escalation amid tensions sparked by the refusal of Iran-backed militias to accept last month’s parliamentary election results.
Two Iraqi officials said that seven of Kadhimi’s security guards were injured in the attack which occurred in the heavily fortified Green Zone area. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to give official statements.
Security sources said three drones were launched, but two were shot down. In a tweet, Kadhemi called “for calm and restraint on the part of everyone for the good of Iraq”.
“My residence has been the target of a cowardly assault. Praise God, I am fine”, he then said in a short video shared on social media.