Iraq’s capital Baghdad rocked by powerful blasts near US embassy
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Powerful explosions struck near the US embassy in Baghdad, part of an escalating cycle of attacks by Tehran-aligned militias on American interests.
AI Summary
Baghdad was struck by powerful explosions near the US embassy, marking the latest in a series of attacks targeting American interests in Iraq. The blasts are part of an escalating cycle of violence between US forces and Iraqi groups aligned with Tehran, who have increased attacks in recent months. Such strikes on or near the embassy compound underscore deepening tensions in Iraq, where US military personnel remain stationed to counter ISIS and support Iraqi security forces. Tehran-aligned militias have repeatedly used drone and rocket attacks to pressure the US presence in the country, viewing American forces as an occupying power. The incident reflects broader regional volatility as proxy tensions between Washington and Iran play out across Iraq.
Source Coverage Map
2 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
4 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
National SecurityUS embassy in Iraq's Baghdad hit in missiles attack, security sources say - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiuwFBVV95cUxQd3Y1ZTlCOVVCMzJSTFRacnZiR2k5b0JINngxekRsWl9seFgybjMyX2RKYU5uZTUxcXFkUnlVTkhubWVZUXhPdUIxQUJCYzhaTDdYYW4wWkdEZTVSUDZhZkZOb05vUDRReWJvYUlySHM5TkFfZjFXN3ZkamQySWZtR1RSRDdRZWh1a1oxWGdWLWZSc2ZtUndfM0I0a1dOcFhXMEVwOFR4UEgzWFNiMVN2MENxaEx4SEZubmo4?oc=5" target="_blank">US embassy in Iraq's Baghdad hit in missiles attack, security sources say</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
National SecurityIran-made drone killed French soldier in Iraqi Kurdistan
An Iranian drone has killed a French soldier in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, his commanding officer said on Friday, after President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the first French military death in the Middle East war. Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran last month engulfed the Middle East in war, multiple attacks attributed to pro-Iranian factions have targeted the region where foreign forces are based as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition. FRANCE 24's International Affairs Commentator Douglas Herbert tells us more.
National SecurityAssassination in Baghdad: Badr Missile Commander killed in Arasat strike - Iraqi News
GlobalColombian president accuses Ecuador after ‘27 charred bodies’ found near border
<p>Relations deteriorate as Gustavo Petro claims government of Trump ally Daniel Noboa bombing targets in Colombia</p><p>President Gustavo Petro has accused <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/ecuador">Ecuador</a> of bombing targets inside Colombian territory, saying later that the burned remains of nearly 30 people had been found near the border, in a sharp deterioration in relations between the two neighbouring countries.</p><p>The Colombian leader said on Tuesday that an attack which had left “27 charred bodies” did not appear to have been carried out by Colombia’s own forces or any illegal armed groups which he said do not have armed planes.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/17/colombian-president-ecuador-bodies">Continue reading...</a>
GlobalIraq taking private plane to Mexico for World Cup play-off
Iraq will travel to Mexico by private plane for their World Cup play-off despite calls from coach Graham Arnold to postpone the match amid the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran, the country's FA president Adnan Dirjal says.
National Security‘Radiant’ mother from Kentucky among 6 US service members who died in air crash in Iraq - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimwFBVV95cUxNczhZWE5FV0dZZl9IRzZKUTlZRUhocWxxMU15eFBXUUtPaU92eDV0M3FWZVlhT0REUnNTRUJsVi1NcGlwQ2o0WGZzOVpBaTFic1VXZ28zYWNzWUQ5eG8zVmxRZFRtWWotU1JzTkVLUTNjVURFRVQ2b1ptSFhUN0NZOVlSY2ZyTTRVX1gtakQtbnhSWDdnaVptTi1abw?oc=5" target="_blank">‘Radiant’ mother from Kentucky among 6 US service members who died in air crash in Iraq</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

First Thing: Trump says US does not need Nato after strait of Hormuz rebuf | Clea Skopeliti
<p>Snub comes as Iran vows revenge for killing of Ali Larijani. Plus, judge orders reinstatement of Voice of America staff</p><p>Good morning.</p><p>Donald Trump has said the US does not need Nato after a number of the organization’s members <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/17/trump-us-president-nato-strait-of-hormuz-iran-middle-east">rejected his call to send their warships</a> to reopen the strait of Hormuz.</p><p><strong>How many people have been displaced in Iran?</strong> Up to 3.2 million people, according to the UN’s refugee agency. Here, Tehran residents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/18/iranians-daily-life-under-air-attack">speak about their daily life</a> under bombardment.</p><p><strong>For the latest updates,</strong> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/mar/18/iran-war-live-updates-oil-prices-hormuz-trump-larijani-key-leader-killed-israel-strikes">follow our liveblog.</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us...
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Race on to establish globally recognised 'AI-free' logo

Biggest wildfire in Nebraska history continues to burn out of control - abcnews.com

TikTok and Meta risked safety to win algorithm arms race, whistleblowers say

Defense official reveals how AI chatbots could be used for targeting decisions

Bank of America reaches proposed, non-binding settlement in Jeffrey Epstein suit




