U.S. Warns Iraq After Missile Hits Embassy Helipad in Baghdad
A missile struck a helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraqi security officials said, prompting the embassy to tell U.S. citizens to leave immediately and sparking a U.S. warning that Iraq must act to stop repeated Iran‑backed militia attacks on American assets. The State Department said Baghdad "must take all possible measures" to protect U.S. personnel while Washington "retains a range of options"; Kurdish officials allege the Iran‑backed Popular Mobilization Forces are armed and paid by the Iraqi government and linked to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani’s coalition, claims Iraq’s Embassy in Washington rejects while defending al‑Sudani’s recent congratulation of Iran’s new supreme leader as routine diplomacy.
📌 Key Facts
- The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned all U.S. citizens in Iraq to leave "immediately", citing repeated Iran-aligned militia attacks on the International Zone.
- A State Department spokesperson (on background) said the Iraqi government "must take all possible measures" to safeguard U.S. diplomatic personnel and prevent militias from using Iraqi territory to threaten the U.S. or the region, adding Washington "retains a range of options" and would not preview sanctions.
- A Kurdish official alleges Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) are armed and paid by the Iraqi government, that PMF leaders are part of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani’s governing coalition, and that these units have "brazenly" attacked U.S. and Kurdistan Regional Government targets, including the energy sector.
- Iraq’s Embassy in Washington issued a detailed denial that Prime Minister al‑Sudani gave any "green light" to attacks, called such acts "terrorist activities," and said the prime minister has ordered authorities to pursue those responsible.
- Al‑Sudani recently congratulated Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei; Iraq’s embassy defended the message as standard diplomatic practice, though U.S. and Kurdish interlocutors say it raises concerns about Baghdad’s alignment.
📊 Relevant Data
Iraq's population is approximately 55-60% Shia Muslim (predominantly Arabs but including Turkmen and Faili Kurds) and 40% Sunni Muslim (24% Arabs, 15% Kurds, 1% Turkmen), with Shia forming the majority in Baghdad and southern regions, while Sunnis predominate in the west, center, and north.
2023 Report on International Religious Freedom: Iraq — United States Department of State
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq are predominantly Shia, with estimates indicating about 85% Shia composition and 15% Sunni and minorities, consisting of over 70 armed factions, many of which are Iran-aligned.
Explained: The Battle Over Disarming Iraq's Shiite Militias — The National Context
Sunni Arabs represent approximately 90% of all prisoners in Iraq, including those held on terrorism charges, despite comprising about 24% of the population.
Country Guidance: Iraq (2024) - 3.2. Sunni Arabs — European Union Agency for Asylum
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) were formed in 2014 following a fatwa by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani calling for volunteers to fight ISIS, initially mobilizing around 60,000-140,000 fighters, mostly Shia, and later integrated into Iraq's security apparatus.
Iraq's popular mobilisation units: intra-sectarian rivalry and Arab Shi'a mobilisation from the 2003 invasion to Covid-19 pandemic — PMC (PubMed Central)
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a message telling all U.S. citizens in Iraq to leave 'immediately' due to repeated Iran‑aligned militia attacks on the International Zone.
- A State Department spokesperson, speaking on background, explicitly said the Iraqi government 'must take all possible measures' to safeguard U.S. diplomatic personnel and prevent militias from using Iraqi territory to threaten the U.S. or the region, while noting Washington 'retains a range of options' and will not preview sanctions.
- A Kurdish official alleges that Iran‑backed Popular Mobilization Forces are armed and paid by the Iraqi government, that PMF leaders are part of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani’s governing coalition, and that these units have 'brazenly' attacked U.S. and KRG targets including the energy sector.
- Iraq’s Embassy in Washington issued a detailed denial that al‑Sudani gave any 'green light' to attacks, calling such acts 'terrorist activities' and claiming the prime minister has ordered authorities to pursue those responsible.
- Al‑Sudani recently congratulated Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, a move Iraq’s embassy defends as standard diplomatic practice even as it raises concern among U.S. and Kurdish interlocutors about Baghdad’s alignment.