Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an attempted assassination by drone that targeted his home early Sunday and is “unharmed and in good health,” the Iraqi government said in a statement.
There was “an explosives-laden drone that tried to target his residence in the Green Zone,” the statement released by state-run media said, adding that security forces “are taking the necessary measures in connection with this failed attempt.”
“The rockets of treason will not shake one bit of the steadfastness and determination of the heroic security forces,” the Iraqi prime minister said in post on Twitter after the attack. “I am fine and among my people. Thank God.”
He also made an appearance on Iraqi TV shortly after the attack.
“To my people everywhere in Iraq, to everyone who was concerned tonight. My residence was targeted by a cowardly attack, but thank god I’m in good health. Your security and military forces are working for Iraq’s stability and protection. Cowardly rocket and drone attacks don’t build homelands and don’t build a future. We work toward building our country through respecting the state and its institutions and building a better future for all Iraqis. We call again for calm and constructive dialogue for Iraq and the future of Iraq.
“Long live Iraq,” he said.
Residents of Baghdad heard the sound of an explosion followed by gunfire from the direction of the Green Zone, which houses foreign embassies and government offices.
No one has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Supporters of the pro-Iran Shiite militias have been camped outside the fortified Green Zone over the past month, and have been clashing with Iraqi security forces, following the results of Iraq’s parliamentary elections on Oct. 10 in which pro-Iranian groups faced losses.