Muhandis had been the deputy head of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a web of armed groups incorporated into the Iraqi state but which also have close ties to Tehran
New Delhi: On late Wednesday two rockets hit into the Iraqi capital’s Green Zone, the high-security enclave where foreign embassies including the US mission are based, security sources told AFP.
At midnight, AFP correspondents in Baghdad heard two loud blasts followed by the angry security sirens of the Green Zone.
The attack came after 24 hours when Tehran launched ballistic missiles at Iraqi bases housing American and other coalition forces, which did not cause any loss.
The airstrikes were revenge for a US drone strike that killed Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis last week.
Muhandis had been the deputy head of the Hashed al-Shaabi, a web of armed groups incorporated into the Iraqi state but which also have close ties to Tehran.
The US had accused Hashed groups of being behind a series of rocket attacks on the US embassy in Baghdad and bases of American troops across Iraq.
On Wednesday, the Hashed’s hardline factions swore they, too, would take revenge for the US surprise attack.
Paramilitary chief Qais al-Khazali was boycotted as a “terrorist” by the US and said Iraq’s response to the US “will be no less than the size of the Iranian response.”
Harakat al-Nujaba, a hardline Hashed faction, swore to requite Muhandis.
“To American soldiers, it also said Do not close your eyes. Revenge for the martyr Muhandis is coming at the hands of Iraqis and until the last soldier among you leaves,” it added.
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