SULAIMANI (ESTA) — U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday he had instructed his national security team to offer assistance to Iraqi security forces to find perpetrators involved in attacking the residence of Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustangs al-Kadhimi.
The Iraqi premier survived an assassination attempt carried out by a drone laden with explosives, which targeted his residence in Baghdad early on Sunday.
“I strongly condemn the terrorist attack targeting the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi,” Biden said in a statement, commending Kadhimi for calling for calm, restraint and dialogue to protect the institutions of the state and strengthen the democracy Iraqis so richly deserve.
Biden added that the perpetrators the “terrorist attack” on the Iraqi state must be held accountable.
“I condemn in the strongest terms those using violence to undermine Iraq’s democratic process,” he said.
“I have instructed my national security team to offer all appropriate assistance to Iraq’s security forces as they investigate this attack and identify those responsible,” he stated.
“The United States stands firmly with the government and people of Iraq as they strive to uphold Iraq’s sovereignty and independence.”
Three drones were used in the attack, including two that were intercepted and downed by security forces while a third drone hit the residence, according to the Iraqi interior ministry.
The Iraqi military said several members of Kadhimi’s personnel protection force stationed outside his residence in the Green Zone were wounded.
Images published by Iraqi news agency INA showed damage to some parts of the prime minister’s residence and a damaged SUV vehicle parked in the garage.
Remains of a small explosive-laden drone were retrieved by security forces to be investigated.
Earlier on Sunday, U.S. State Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone with Kadhimi, expressing “deep concern” over the attack, according to the premier’s office.
