Rocket attacks on Baghdad’s Green Zone end temporary ceasefire
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — A spay of fatal rockets landed in Baghdad’s Green Zone late Tuesday, the Iraqi military announced, appearing to end a temporary halt in Iran-backed groups attacking international targets.
At least four rockets were fired towards the US embassy in the capital's Green Zone, say Iraq's security media cell. The attack resulted in the death of a child and the injuries of five civilians, reports the Washington Post.
This comes hours after the Pentagon announced it would be reducing its troop numbers in Iraq and Afghanistan by mid-January from more than 3,000 to 2,500 in Iraq, Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller announced at a press conference.
We send our condolences to those affected by the attack in Baghdad last night. This is yet another instance of outlaw groups killing fellow Iraqis & harms those who seek peace. @CJTFOIR continues to support the GoI, at their request, in pursuit of a stabilized and secure Iraq. https://t.co/TubCbIRIaO
— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) November 18, 2020
On their Telegram channel, Iran-backed militia Kataeb Hezbollah said they were not responsible for the rocket attacks.
"The attack on the evil embassy is not devoid of two options: either ignorance, idiocy or agency for Trump and his team," the group said.
Iraqi militia groups backed by Iran announced a “conditional” ceasefire in October, suspending attacks targeting US personnel and facilities on the condition the United States withdraws from Iraq.
Baghdad’s Green Zone is located in the Karkh district of Central Baghdad, and houses foreign embassies and government offices. The area remains the center of the city’s international presence.
Washington signaled in late-September it would close its diplomatic mission in Baghdad if measures are not taken to control armed groups responsible for the ongoing attacks.
The Tehran-aligned militias carried out at least 25 attacks on US convoys, facilities, and the Green Zone or Baghdad airport in September alone.
US personnel continue to remain under attack by Iranian-backed militias. The US embassy in January released an announcement urging the immediate departure of US citizens in Iraq due to heightened tensions and continuous attacks by the Iranian-backed militias.