“The blood that watered the land of Iraq in defense of its dignity is not cheap, and will never be subject to leniency,” stated the Iraqi army following a series of violent incidents in Baghdad.
On March 16, 2026, multiple explosions rocked the city, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals. The attacks included an explosives-laden drone that struck the rooftop of the Al Rasheed hotel, causing a minor fire but, according to Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, no casualties were reported from this incident.
The US embassy, located in the heavily fortified Green Zone, was also targeted during this wave of violence. Reports indicate that the embassy’s C-RAM air defense system successfully intercepted two drones aimed at the facility.
These incidents unfolded from Monday evening into early Tuesday, marking a troubling escalation in attacks against foreign missions and Iraqi security forces. The Iraqi army condemned a checkpoint strike as a “treacherous and cowardly attack,” reflecting the heightened tensions in the region.
Security measures have been intensified in response to these attacks. Mahmoud Abdel Wahed, a local security official, noted, “Following this attack, security forces have been deployed in the area and they have blocked all roads to the Green Zone with armoured vehicles and barricades.”
The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella group of mostly Shia paramilitary factions integrated into Iraq’s state security forces, have been at the center of recent conflicts. The PMF was established in 2014 and includes several factions aligned with Iran.
In a separate incident, eight troops were killed in an attack on PMF forces, further complicating the security landscape in Baghdad. The ongoing violence underscores the fragile situation in Iraq, where various factions vie for power and influence.
As the situation develops, local authorities and security forces remain on high alert, with expectations of continued military presence in the area to prevent further attacks. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of the incidents and any potential retaliatory measures.
