A drone carrying explosives targeted the residence of Iraq’s leader in the capital Baghdad on Sunday, according to the country’s military, in what is being called an “attempted assassination.”
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced he and his entourage were safe in a national address shortly after the attack.
“In the name of God the Merciful, to my family and people everywhere in the great Iraq, to all those who worried on this night, my house was targeted by a cowardly attack. Thank god, Me and those who work with me are in good health.”
“I call on everyone for peaceful dialogue, for Iraq and for Iraq’s future.”
Al-Kadhimi’s residence is located in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies.
Two government officials said al-Kadhimi’s residence had been hit by at least one explosion, while several security sources said some of his personnel were injured.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Supporters of heavily armed groups aligned with neighbouring Iran have staged demonstrations in the Green Zone in recent weeks.
They have been protesting against the results of a general election last month, which had dealt a blow to their parliamentary power.
