U.S. Confirms Direct Missile Hit On Embassy In Baghdad, At Least 1 Injured

US Confirms At Least 1 Injured In Missile Attack 'Direct Hit' On Embassy In Baghdad

update: A US offical has confirmed to CNN that a total of three rockets struck the US Embassy in Baghdad Sunday evening. And importantly, the US has further confirmed one injured in the attack.

There's still been no claim of responsibility, however the State Department pointed the finger at Iran-backed militias, following over a dozen similar prior rocket attacks on the diplomatic compound since September: "The security situation remains tense and Iranian-backed armed groups remain a threat. So, we remain vigilant," a spokesperson said. Other regional outlets are citing US defense officials to say one of the Katyusha rockets scored a direct hit on a dining facility or cafeteria at the embassy, which would be a first. 

There are unconfirmed reports that more US personnel may be injured from the attack:

The attack injured some embassy staff, Al Arabiya reported. One rocket hit an embassy cafeteria at dinner time while two others landed near by, a security source said.

UPDATE : US Embassy, #Iraq Attack

• At least one staff injured (AFP)
• Multiple injured + taken in choppers out of Baghdad (Arabiya)
• No word yet from Pentagon https://t.co/nUzO3BYkUM

— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) January 26, 2020

Local media reports claimed a US military response against Iran-backed Shia Iraqi militias is imminent, yet this is also unconfirmed. 

Meanwhile, an Al Jazeera correspondent observed that US jets were active over Baghdad in the hours following the attack, but that the uptick in flyovers has since ceased. 

BREAKING: Jets flying over Baghdad right now after reports of expected #US response to earlier rocket attacks that slammed in embassy in Baghdad. #Iraq

— Arwa Ibrahim (@arwaib) January 27, 2020

Former Deputy Prime Minister Hoshyar Zebari called it an act of an “unruly militia” and confirmed the following details in a Tweet, though the Pentagon has yet to give official statement: “The Embassy restaurant or canteen was damaged and burned. This is a very dangerous game by #PMF uncontrolled factions to galvanize the tense situation. It must stop,” he stated, in reference to the pro-Iran Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). 

Needless to say, the potential for the White House ordering a significant response in the coming hours or days remains high.