Iraq's Prime Minister al-Khadimi survives drone attack | DW News

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Khadimi is calling for calm following an attempt to assassinate him. A drone filled with explosives attacked his residence in the heavily fortified Green Zone of the capital Baghdad. Officials say seven of his bodyguards were injured. Baghdad was already tense after clashes between security forces and protesters disputing the results of the election.
Diplomats based nearby said they heard explosions.
State television aired photos showing the damage to the prime minister's residence. It was apparently targeted by an explosives-laden drone. Mustafa al-Khadimi was unhurt in what the Iraqi military called an attempted assassination
Baghdad's heavily guarded Green Zone has been at the center of unrest following Iraq's election last month.
Iran-backed Shia militias have been camped out nearby after losing much of their parliamentary power in the vote. They allege voting and counting irregularities - though EU observers have rejected those claims.
On Friday, protests over the result turned violent. Security forces used tear gas and live rounds when demonstrators tried to enter the Green Zone. Witnesses said two protesters were killed and dozens injured.
The attempted attack on Prime Minister al-Khadimi marks another escalation. No group has claimed responsibility, but experts point to the pro-Iran militias.
As tensions soar, some fear the stage could be set for a bloody confrontation.


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