Explosions heard near US embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone: Reports

Local Iraqi media outlets say several explosions have been heard near the US embassy in Baghdad’s heavily-fortified Green Zone, without providing any information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Iraqi satellite television channel Afaq TV, citing a report published by Arabic-language Ababeel news agency, said the diplomatic mission sounded sirens following the blasts, which occurred early on Thursday.

Ababeel reported that the explosions rocked the areas adjacent to the premises of the embassy.

No official statement has confirmed the report and no further details have been released.

On May 19, two Iraqi security sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said an explosion had been heard in Baghdad’s Green Zone.

A source told Arabic-language Shafaaq news agency that the explosion was believed to have been caused by a Katyusha rocket slamming into the area.

SS