Katyusha rocket falls in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone

A Katyusha rocket has landed in the vicinity of the US embassy in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone, according to Al Arabiya’s correspondent.

“A Katyusha rocket fell in the middle of the Green Zone without causing any losses, details to come later,” the Iraqi military said in a statement.

The statement added that the rocket was fired from the al-Ghadeer area in Baghdad.

Iraqi security forces have closed the area leading to the Green Zone, while a combing operation is underway.

US military confirms rocket near embassy in Iraq

Meanwhile, the US military command that oversees the Mideast has confirmed an explosion outside the US Embassy compound in Baghdad and says there are no US or coalition casualties.

A spokesman for US Central Command, Bill Urban, says in a statement that Iraqi Security Forces are investigating Sunday’s incident.

A State Department spokesman says that “a low-grade rocket” landed within the International Zone near the US Embassy and that there was no significant damage or impact on any US-inhabited facility.

The spokesman says that such attacks will not be tolerated and will be responded to “in a decisive manner” and that the US will hold Iran responsible “if any such attacks are conducted by its proxy militia forces or elements of such forces.”

The apparent attack comes amid heightened tensions across the Gulf region, after the United States ordered non-essential staff out of its diplomatic posts in Iraq.