Baghdad, Nov 8, (Asia Free Press): Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi escaped unhurt from an “assassination attempt” in which an explosives-packed drone hit his Baghdad residence early Sunday (Nov 7), a new escalation in the country’s post-election turmoil.
At his office in the high-security Baghdad Green Zone, Kadhemi, 54, has been in power since May 2020 and appealed for “calm and restraint” before chairing a meeting.
Security sources report that three drones were launched near a Tigris River bridge, two were successfully intercepted, while one exploded inside Mustafa’s residence injuring two bodyguards in the process.
After the strike, which the premier’s office described as a “failed assassination attempt,” shots rang out and smoke billowed from the Green Zone. Debris was seen on the ground below a damaged exterior staircase and a door that had been dislodged in photos released by Kadhemi’s office.
Kadhemi said in a short video that “my residence has been the target of a cowardly assault. Praise God, I am fine.”
The attack came two days after the security forces clashed with the supporters of Iran-backed parties that lost support in the October 10 parliament election, and who have charged they were the victims of vote irregularities.
