The residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi was targeted early this Sunday morning by an explosive drone, resulting in material damage and injuries to some of his security team, as reported by Al Arabiya/Al Hadath. It was noted that Al-Kadhimi was taken to the hospital after sustaining a very minor injury during the attack on his home, while bomb experts arrived at the site.
The Joint Operations Command announced following the failed assassination attempt that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi "was unharmed and is in good health." The Security Media Cell, representing the command, stated in a release that "a failed assassination attempt was directed at the Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, using an explosive drone that attempted to target his residence in the Green Zone in Baghdad."
The statement confirmed that "security forces are taking the necessary measures regarding this failed attempt," without providing further details.
In a recorded video statement posted on his Twitter account, the Prime Minister later confirmed he was fine, urging for calm and self-restraint to protect the country. He emphasized in a tweet that "the treacherous rockets and drones will not deter the resolve of the Iraqi people, nor will they shake the determination of security forces to maintain the safety of the people and uphold justice and the rule of law."
The attack on Al-Kadhimi's home occurred amid heightened tensions in the country over the past two weeks from Iranian-backed factions and Popular Mobilization Forces supporters who have been protesting in Baghdad around the Green Zone against the results of the parliamentary elections held on October 10, which showed a significant decline in their representation compared to previous elections.
On Saturday, several leaders of Iran-aligned militias, including Hezbollah, Badr, Nujaba, and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, participated in these protests which resumed on Friday and resulted in clashes with security forces, leading to one protester being killed and dozens more injured, most of whom were security personnel.
Qais Khazali, leader of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, has vowed to retaliate against Al-Kadhimi after his supporters were expelled from the Green Zone. Meanwhile, Al-Kadhimi ordered the formation of an investigative committee to uncover the circumstances and outcomes that led to casualties among protesters and security forces. He also confirmed his determination to compensate the victims and to personally oversee the investigation and necessary measures.
It is noteworthy that the results of the early parliamentary elections revealed a significant decrease in the number of seats held by political blocs representing the Popular Mobilization Forces, while the Sadrist Movement ranked first in terms of parliamentary seats, prompting anger from supporters of those armed factions, some of whom issued threats while accusing the authorities of tampering with the results.
