Missile attack on the American Embassy helicopter pad in Iraq

Iraqi security officials have confirmed that a missile attack occurred today (March 14, 2026) on the helicopter pad within the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq.

The Associated Press (AP) reported on this attack, citing two Iraqi security officials, and footage showing smoke rising from the embassy compound on Saturday morning has also been released. Reuters news agency also confirmed these reports, stating that the missile landed on the helicopter pad and that smoke was clearly visible. Additionally, social media videos showing smoke rising from the affected area after the attack were broadcast on Al Jazeera.

This incident is reported amidst heightened regional tensions due to military operations carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. The US Embassy in Baghdad, considered one of the world's largest diplomatic missions, is located in the heavily fortified 'Green Zone' and has been consistently targeted in the past by Iran-backed armed groups using drone and rocket attacks.

The US Embassy has not yet issued any immediate response regarding this specific incident. However, the embassy had updated its Level 4 security alert for Iraq a few days prior (March 12), warning of the continued risk of Iran and its affiliated groups targeting US citizens, assets, and infrastructure.

Initial reports have not yet confirmed any official information regarding casualties, property damage, or responsibility for this attack. However, it is widely believed that such attacks are carried out by Iran-backed armed groups operating in Iraq as a response to regional military situations. As this is an ongoing developing event, further details will be confirmed through future official announcements from US or Iraqi authorities.