An Iraqi security source reported on Wednesday morning that a rocket attack targeted Victory Base at Baghdad International Airport, using 4 Katyusha missiles launched from west Baghdad. The Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, which houses the international coalition forces (formerly Victory Base), was attacked on Monday by two drones marked "Revenge Operations of the Leaders." Iraqi media reported that "the diplomatic area at Baghdad Airport was attacked early this morning by two drones, which were intercepted by the CRAM defense system."
The source added, "The two drones fell outside the boundaries of the American base, with the first landing near the shooting range and the second near the Iraqi officers' lounge." The source stated that "the drones, according to an explosives expert, were carrying explosives." He further noted, "At the same time, civilian flights took off and landed this morning, indicating that outlaws do not care about the risk of civilian casualties and endangering civilian air travel by flying drones in Baghdad International Airport."
On January 3, 2020, a U.S. airstrike targeted two vehicles carrying Deputy Head of the Popular Mobilization Forces Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani, and their companions near Baghdad International Airport, killing them instantly. Intelligence sources warned on Friday, December 31, that the U.S. embassy in Baghdad might be targeted on the anniversary of the assassination of Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and Deputy Head of the Popular Mobilization Forces Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
