The Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Missile gun fires flares during a weapons test at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, Jan. 31, 2010. Taken on 31 January 2010 by Senior Airman Brittany Bateman, U.S. Air Force.
On January 13, a new rocket attack targeted the highly-fortified Green Zone in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, where the US embassy is located.
At least three 107 mm rockets were fired at the embassy. In response, the US C-RAM [counter rocket, artillery, and mortar] was activated. Two of the rockets were reportedly intercepted by the system, while the third landed at al-Qadisiyyah residential complex inside the Green Zone.
Video circulating social media reportedly from this evenings rocket attack against The Green Zone, #Baghdad, #Iraq. In this clip two launches can be heard. pic.twitter.com/ZvofOFfjam
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) January 13, 2022
Additional footage of CRAM activity over #Baghdad, #Iraq pic.twitter.com/4NEDEhSjVC
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) January 13, 2022
Comparing different angles of CRAM, they appear to align with the early reports of two interceptions. One shown clearly here. pic.twitter.com/ZrheGISVmn
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) January 13, 2022
Video reportedly from this evening, CRAM reportedly successfully intercepted two rockets, this appears to be the final status of the third reportedly launched with an impact in #Baghdad, #Iraq, all three were 107mm rockets from initial reports. pic.twitter.com/TcapeildfP
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) January 13, 2022
A few minutes after the attack, Iraqi security forces found the launchers used to fire the rockets in the Dora neighborhood in southern Baghdad.
منصة اطلاق الصواريخ التي استهدفت المنطقة الخضراء pic.twitter.com/V3nDvyrL9W
— Noor Khalil (@noorkh2021) January 13, 2022
In a statement, the Security Media Cell said that the rocket attack wounded a woman and her child and caused some material losses.
في عمل إرهابي جبان، تعرض السكان الابرياء في المنطقة الخضراء ببغداد ومقرات البعثات الدبلوماسية التي تتحمل القوات الامنية العراقية مسؤولية حمايتها الى هجوم بواسطة عدد من الصواريخ انطلقت من منطقة الدورة جنوبي العاصمة ، ما ادى الى إصابة طفلة وامرأة بجروح… pic.twitter.com/ek1iHzRV92
— خلية الإعلام الأمني🇮🇶 (@SecMedCell) January 13, 2022
The attack was likely carried out by pro-Iranian forces to honor the memory of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Deputy-Commander of the Popular Mobilization Units, and Iran’s Quds Force Commander Maj. Gen. Qassim Soleimani who were assassinated by the US around two years ago.
A week ago, a series of drone and rocket attacks targeted the US Camp Victory base next to Baghdad International Airport and US-led coalition positions in Ain al-Assad Air Base in the western province of al-Anbar.
Attacks on US troops and diplomatic mission in Iraq will not likely continue. Pro-Iranian forces are determined to force the US out from their country.
