SULAIMANI (ESTA) — U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken spoke by phone with Iraqi President Barham Salih to reiterate that the United States partnership with Iraq is steadfast.
Blinken expressed his condemnation of the “terrorist attack” that targeted Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s residence on Sunday, the U.S. department of state said in a statement on Tuesday.
Kadhimi escaped unhurt when three drones carrying explosives were launched at his home in Baghdad on Sunday.
Several of his bodyguards were injured, according to the Iraqi military.
“Secretary Blinken discussed how this attack was also an attack on the sovereignty and stability of the Iraqi state,” the state department said.
“Secretary Blinken reiterated that our partnership with the Iraqi government and people is steadfast,” it added.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which raised tension in Iraq a few weeks after a general election disputed by Iran-backed militias including Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib.
On Monday, Reuters cited security officials and sources close to Shia groups as saying that at least one Iran-backed militia group was behind the attack and that the drones and explosives used in the attack were “Iranian-made”.
Two security officials told Reuters that the powerful-Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq groups carried it out in tandem.
One militia source said Kataib Hezbollah was “involved” but he could not confirm the role of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, according to Reuters.
On Sunday, Kadhimi said during a meeting of the Council of Ministers that he knew “well” who carried out the drone attack and that they would pursue those who were behind it.
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he had instructed his national security team to offer “all appropriate assistance” to the Iraqi forces as they investigate the attack and identify the perpetrators.
Commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force Esmail Qaani arrived in Baghdad late on Sunday and held a meeting with Shia leaders in the Iraqi capital, according to Iraqi media.
Iran was among other countries including U.S., UK, France, Turkey and Saudi Arabia that condemned the drone attack.
