US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has expressed his outrage at the continued attacks on American facilities in Iraq during a phone call with Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.
The Iraqi leader highlighted the importance of de-escalation in the region, according to a statement from his office.
Mr Adel Mehdi also condemned recent attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone and pledged to boost protection.
The Iraqi government launched a probe into the most recent incident earlier this week that injured one person when five rockets were fired at the US outpost. Two rockets hit a canteen area.
Mr Abdul Mahdi issued a statement after the attack denouncing the move. He also ordered an investigation and security forces to prevent further repeat incidents.
“We denounce the continuation of these outlawed actions that have the goal of weakening the Iraqi state and violating its sovereignty and the sanctity of diplomatic missions on its soil,” he said.
The US has blamed Iran-backed militias for repeated rocket attacks on the US embassy and Iraqi military bases housing American troops, a near-weekly occurrence in recent months.
Tensions have soared since the January 3 US airstrike that killed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Quds force head Qassim Sulimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi Al Muhandis.
A mass protest attacked the US embassy in the wake of the killing, setting fire to the entrance area and leading to staff being evacuated from the outpost. The US deployed additional troops to secure the site and Iraqi counter-terror units deployed to clear the streets around the compound.
The government is also contending with nearly four months of mass protests, their response to which has left over 600 dead and tens of thousands wounded.
In the overnight call, Mr Abdul Mahdi also stressed the importance for everyone to respect Iraq's sovereignty. In the wake of the Sulimani strike, the Iraqi parliament voted in a non-binding resolution to end a deal for US troops to be based in the country to assist in counter-ISIS operations.
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Iraqi demonstrators clean the rubbish of burned tents, which were destroyed last night during the ongoing anti-government protest in Nassiriya, Iraq. Reuters -
Iraqi anti-government protesteters gather in al-Khillani Square off central Baghdad's Sinak bridge which links the Iraqi capital's Green Zone with the rest of the city. AFP -
An Iraqi medical aid volunteer helps an anti-government protester suffering from tear gas effects during clashes with security forces in al-Khillani Square off central Baghdad's Sinak bridge which links the Iraqi capital's Green Zone with the rest of the city. AFP -
A molotov cocktail is held by an Iraqi demonstrator during ongoing anti-government protests in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters -
An injured paramedic prepares to help injured protesters during clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters near Baghdad's Khilani square, Iraq. AP Photo -
Iraqi protesters clash with riot police following an anti-government demonstration in al-Khilani Square in Baghdad. AFP -
Iraqi protesters with makeshift protective gear walk by following clashes with security forces during an anti-government demonstration in Al-Khilani square in the capital Baghdad. AFP -
Iraqi protestesters inspect their tents which were burned out by anti-riot police forces in the previous day at the Al Tahrir square in central Baghdad, Iraq. EPA -
Protesters stage a sit-in on barriers at the Sinak bridge leading to the heavily fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraq's government, during anti-government protests in Baghdad, Iraq. AP Photo -
Anti-government protesters gather in Tahrir Square in Baghdad, Iraq. AP Photo -
Iraqi protesters help their fellow who was affected by tear gas, which was dispensed by riot police during clashes following a protest at the Al-khilani square in central Baghdad, Iraq. EPA -
A paramedic helps an Iraqi protester who was affected by tear gas, which was dispensed by riot police during clashes following a protest at the Al-khilani square in central Baghdad. EPA -
Iraqi protesters chant slogans and carry the Iraqi national flag during ongoing anti-government protests at the Al Tahrir square in central Baghdad. EPA -
Female protesters sit next to a wall painted with a graffiti during ongoing anti-government protests at the Al Tahrir square in central Baghdad, Iraq. EPA -
An injured Iraqi protester flashes the victory sign after receiving treatment, amid clashes with security forces during an anti-government demonstration in Al-Khilani square in the capital Baghdad. AFP -
An Iraqi protester walks away while carrying on his back a makeshift shield with the inscription "I am the next martyr", during an anti-government demonstration in Al-Khilani square in the capital Baghdad. AFP -
An Iraqi protester runs while carrying a tear gas canister fired by security forces amid clashes during an anti-government demonstration in Al-Khilani square in the capital Baghdad. AFP
It is unclear if the government will enforce the resolution or if the US will comply.
State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said that Mr Pompeo raised the issue of the Iran-backed militias as well as sovereignty in the call with Mr Adel Mehdi.
"The Secretary underlined once again that these attacks demonstrate a wanton disregard for Iraqi sovereignty and a failure to rein in these dangerous armed groups," she said.
