An explosive-laden drone targeted the residence of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, according to Iraqi officials on Sunday. The government-affiliated Security Media Network said al-Kadhimi has no injuries and that he is in good health. The statement further added that security forces continued to take precautions.
In a post on Twitter, al-Kadhimi expressed that he is fine and with his family, urging everyone to stay calm.
A strong explosion was heard in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone. Most foreign diplomatic missions, including the US Embassy, are located in the fortified area.
The attack comes as supporters of the Iranian-backed Al-Fatah Coalition and the Shiite Hashd al-Shaabi continue a sit-in protest in front of the Green Zone, objecting to the results of the October 10 election.
On Thursday, a committee for rallies opposing the results threatened to escalate the situation if the results are not changed.
The recounting of ballot boxes began in 2,000 voting stations based on 1,400 complaints presented to the commission by political parties, the Iraqi election commission said last week.
When completed, the commission will announce the final results of the recount and send them to the Federal Court for approval.
In the election on October 10, Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s party won 73 seats in parliament, the highest, followed by the Taqaddum bloc of Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi with 37 and the State of Law Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, with 34 seats.
