Roadside Bomb Hits Australian Diplomatic Convoy In Iraq’s Baghdad

The Swords of Qadisiyah in Central Baghdad, Iraq. The DIA History Office \ US Army

On August 26, an improvised explosive device exploded near the highly-fortified Green Zone in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, as an Australian diplomatic convoy was passing by.

Despite the explosion, the Australian diplomatic convoy was able to enter the Green Zone. No casualties were reported as a result of the attack.

Two security officials told The Associated Press that the attack took place as Australia’s diplomatic mission in Iraq was making efforts to mediate between influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and a coalition of rival Iran-backed Shiite groups called the Coordination Framework.

The followers al-Sadr and the Coordination Framework have been at odds since last year’s parliamentary elections. Al-Sadr won the largest share of seats in the elections, but failed to form a majority government. This led to one of the worst political crises in Iraq in recent years.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry condemned the attack on the Australian diplomatic convoy, stressing its commitment to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations that calls for the protection of all diplomatic missions.

Australia is yet to release a statement on the attack. However, the country’s football association announced its withdrawal from the Under-20 Asian Cup which will be held in the southern Iraqi city of Basra between September 10 and 18, citing security concerns.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which may have been carried out to inflame the crisis between al-Sadr and the Coordination Framework.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC:

• Dozens Of Rockets Hit Key Turkish Base In Northern Iraq (Video)
• In Video: Iraqi Airstrike Hits Hideout Of Senior ISIS Leaders In Hamrin Mountains