Three Katyusha rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone

Tensions have escalated in the region following the targeted killing of Qassem Suleimani

A picture taken on November 24, 2018, shows one of the entrances to Baghdad's fortified Green Zone. The partial reopening of Baghdad's high-security Green Zone to through traffic that was planned for Sunday has been postponed for several days, a government official told AFP. / AFP / AHMAD AL-RUBAYE
Powered by automated translation

Three Katyusha rockets fell inside Baghdad's Green Zone on Wednesday night, as regional tensions flared following the targeted killing of Iran's most senior military general Qassem Suleimani last week.

The fortified zone is home to several diplomatic buildings, including the US embassy. Videos circulating on social media show sirens going off in the compound.

“Two Katyusha rockets fall inside the Green Zone without causing casualties. Details to follow,” the military said.

Two loud blasts followed by sirens had been heard in Baghdad, Reuters witnesses said.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have heightened after US President Donald Trump ordered a drone attack on Suleimani, which killed him at Baghdad airport on Friday.

Iran retaliated on Tuesday night with attacks on two US military facilities in Iraq. Around 5,000 US troops are based in Iraq.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Trump pulled back from the brink of war with Iran, saying that Tehran appeared to be "standing down" after firing missiles - without causing casualties - at US troops based in Iraq on Tuesday night.