Eight killed in rocket attack on Baghdad Airport, say security sources

At least eight people were killed after three rockets fell on Baghdad International Airport, Iraqi security sources said on Friday.

“Three rockets hit the international airport in Baghdad,” said a statement from the Iraqi military, adding that two cars exploded.

Iraqi paramilitary groups said five of their members and two “guests” were killed in an air strike on their vehicles inside Baghdad airport.

The militia members were hosting “important guests” at Baghdad airport who were being driven in two militia vehicles that were struck by two rockets, said the militia sources.

The militia sources said the two guests were also killed in the attack but declined to identify them.

Earlier, Shiite Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said in a post on Facebook that its director of public relations was killed in what it described as “cowardly US bombing.”

The rockets landed near the air cargo terminal, burning two vehicles and injuring several citizens, Security Media Cell added.

Al-Arabiya reported the closure of Baghdad International Airport and the stoppage of air services following the explosions, especially the airport perimeter.

A civilian car near the airport was also hit, killing the driver, the report said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Supporters of Iranian-backed Iraqi paramilitary groups stormed the US Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday following US air raids on Sunday against Kataib Hezbollah militia bases in retaliation for missile attacks that killed a US contractor in northern Iraq last week.

Tension between the United States and Iran has ramped up in the region over US economic sanctions hurting the Iranian economy. The two sides have traded blame over attacks on oil installations, militia arms depots as well as military bases hosting US forces.

- With Agencies