The US-led coalition in a statement confirmed Sunday's incident, saying that the rocket attack "impacted" the Iraqi military installation that houses American forces in "the International zone" - a reference to Baghdad's Green Zone, a densely-built community of embassies and government compounds.
The Coalition confirms small rockets impacted the Iraqi base hosting @CJTFOIR troops in the International Zone, Feb. 16 at 3:24 a.m. (Iraq Time). No casualties. Investigation ongoing. Follow @OIRSpox & @SecMedCell for updates.
— OIR Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III (@OIRSpox) February 16, 2020
According to earlier media reports, sirens were heard in Baghdad moments before the attack. Earlier reports emerging prior to the official confirmation suggested that it was the US embassy that was under attack, as it is located close to the military base hosting coalition forces. It remains unclear how many shells landed in the Green Zone. Eyewitnesses claimed several strong explosions were heard in the central part of the city.
Netizens have shared alleged footage showing the aftermath of the attack.
A smoke column is seen in Zayouna area, #Baghdad. No explosions reported in the periphery of the US embassy in Baghdad according to residents there. pic.twitter.com/UQwhvzvuD6
— ZaidBenjamin (@ZaidBenjamin5) February 16, 2020
The vague video clip depicts dense smoke coming from the alleged area that was hit by projectiles.
Smoke rising from HQ of the PMF east of Baghdad. Comes after rockets were fired at US Embassy in Baghdad. pic.twitter.com/7sPil3R4Kl
— Sepid (@Saraa_Sepid) February 16, 2020
أصوات الصواريخ التي هزت العاصمة العراقية #بغداد حوالي ٣:٢٥ فجر الاحد. pic.twitter.com/2ZyzZ9xyN6
— ZaidBenjamin (@ZaidBenjamin5) February 16, 2020
Since January, after Iranian top general Qasem Soleimani was assassinated by the US forces near Baghdad at the behest of US President Donald Trump, the US embassy and military installations in Iraq have several times been targeted by rocket fire.
