Drone strike hits US diplomatic support centre in Baghdad

A drone believed to be launched by Iran struck a US diplomatic facility in Baghdad on Tuesday, March 10, according to two sources familiar with the situation who spoke to CNN.

The drone hit the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Centre, a major logistics and operational hub used by the United States and located near Baghdad International Airport.

One source said the drone landed near a guard tower at the facility. It remains unclear whether there were any casualties, and the extent of the damage has not yet been determined.

The strike came amid ongoing US and Israeli military operations against Iran, during which Tehran has targeted American military and diplomatic facilities. The incident highlights the continuing threat facing US personnel in the region.

Last week, the State Department ordered all non-emergency personnel to leave Iraq.

On Tuesday, the US Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert urging American citizens in the country to exercise caution and advising them to “remain vigilant, avoid drawing attention to themselves and stay away from locations that could make them targets.”

“Being in areas associated with the United States or places where other American citizens gather could put you at risk. Attacks against US citizens and US-affiliated facilities have occurred in Iraq. Americans face risks of kidnapping, and American companies, hotels frequently visited by foreigners, and other facilities in Iraq, including those associated with the United States, have been targeted. Critical infrastructure across Iraq has also been the target of attacks,” the warning said.

By Tamilla Hasanova