SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The United States on Saturday condemned an attempted assassination that targeted Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, offering assistance with the investigation.
“This apparent act of terrorism, which we strongly condemn, was directed at the heart of the Iraqi state,” spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. “We are in close touch with the Iraqi security forces charged with upholding Iraq’s sovereignty and independence and have offered our assistance as they investigate this attack.”
A drone laden with explosives targeted the residency of the Iraqi premier early on Sunday in what the Iraqi military called an attempted assassination.
The Iraqi military said Kadhimi was in “good health”, but several members of his personnel protection were wounded.
Two government officials said Kadhimi’s residence had been hit by at least one explosion and confirmed to Reuters that the prime minister was safe.
Security sources told Reuters that six members of Kadhimi’s personal protection force stationed outside his residence had been injured.
The attack came after protests in the Iraqi capital over the result of a general election last month turned violent.
Supporters of Iran-aligned militia groups which have grown their power in parliament and government in recent years have protested the results of the October election.
Demonstrations by their supporters turned violent on Friday when protestors pelted police with stones near the Green Zone, injuring several officers.
The police responded with tear gas and live gunfire, killing at least one demonstrator, according to security and hospital sources in Baghdad.
