Air defense systems intercept rocket targeting US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq

Air defense systems in Iraq have intercepted a rocket targeting the US Embassy in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, according to Al Arabiya’s correspondent.

A Patriot battery system was able to respond to the rocket but was unable to intercept it far enough and therefore fell within the Green Zone, local media outlet al-Dijla TV reported citing its own security source.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Members of Iraq's security forces stand guard outside one of the gates of the US embassy in Baghdad's Green Zone. (File photo: AFP)

"The missile that was intercepted by the American embassy in Baghdad fell near a number of sit-ins protesters close to the Green Zone area. It landed close to the bridge leading to the Green Zone itself," Al Arabiya's correspondent in Baghdad Majid Hamid reported.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility as of Sunday morning.

Recent attacks on the Green Zone follow more than two dozen similar attacks against American interests in Iraq since October that the US has blamed on Iran-backed factions among Iraq’s security forces.

Read more:

With Soleimani dead, Iran militias in Iraq struggle

Rocket lands near US Embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone in Iraq

MBC Group ‘strongly condemns’ attack on Baghdad studios, offices