Drone shot down in Baghdad’s Green Zone

Smoke rises from the US Embassy in Baghdad. Photo: AFP Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Security Media cell (ISMC) said on Tuesday that a drone was shot down near Baghdad’s fortified ‌Green Zone. The explosion from the interception created a loud noise that was audible in various areas of the Iraqi capital. The US embassy’s air defense systems were triggered after spotting two drones nearing the Green Zone’s boundary and shooting them down, according to two Iraqi security sources who spoke to Reuters. Debris from the two drones was found at two places, and security personnel were investigating the drones’ origin and destination further, according to the sources. The Green Zone houses government buildings and foreign missions, including ⁠the US embassy. The US Embassy in Baghdad has faced multiple rocket and drone attacks since the outbreak of the regional Middle East war, which escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Iran-aligned militias have repeatedly targeted the sprawling diplomatic compound in retaliation for the conflict. Significant incidents reported at the embassy complex since the war began. In July, US air defenses intercepted and shot down an armed drone hovering directly over the embassy compound at night. The incident occurred hours after a separate rocket attack on a western Iraqi base housing US soldiers. The constant threat of incoming rockets, missiles, and drones prompted the US State Department to issue a travel warning for Iraq. US citizens have been repeatedly urged to leave the country immediately using overland borders, and routine consular services at the embassy remain strictly suspended due to the regional hostilities.