Iraq’s capital Baghdad rocked by powerful blasts near US embassy

Al Jazeera
March 17, 2026
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3 min read

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Powerful explosions struck near the US embassy in Baghdad, part of an escalating cycle of attacks by Tehran-aligned militias on American interests.

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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.

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