Rockets land near US Embassy in Baghdad

Rockets landed near the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday, officials said, causing damage in the area.

The Associated Press reported that two Katuysha rockets touched down in and around the Green Zone in Baghdad, an area that includes the embassy. The rockets fell near the building and in an open courtyard.

A third rocket landed in a nearby residential area, causing damage to a civilian vehicle, the AP reported, citing Iraqi security.

The development comes after a base housing U.S. troops in Iraq was struck with more than a dozen rockets on Wednesday, causing two minor injuries.

More than 14 rockets reached the al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq, landing on the base and the perimeter, according to Col. Wayne Marotto, the spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Operation Inherent Resolve.

Initial report: At approx. 12:30 PM local time, Ain Al-Assad Air Base was attacked by 14 rockets. The rockets landed on the base & perimeter. Force protection defensive measures were activated. At this time initial reports indicate 3 minor injuries. Damage is being assessed.

— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) July 7, 2021

He said all of the personnel at the base were accounted for after the attack, but announced that “two personnel sustained minor injuries.”

Update: 100 % accountability at Ain Al-Assad Air Base after rocket attack. Two personnel sustained minor injuries. Damage still be assessed. More details will be provided when become available.

— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) July 7, 2021

The suspected attacks from Iran-backed militants come after the Pentagon in June launched airstrikes on Iran-based militia groups on the Iraq-Syria border, which killed four Iraqi fighters.

The attacks have ramped up since late last month amid rising tensions between U.S. troops and Iran-backed forces, as Baghdad and Washington discuss a timeline for pulling foreign troops from Iraq, the AP reported.

The U.S. has pointed to Iran-based militias as the perpetrators behind the attacks on their presence in Baghdad and military bases throughout Iraq, according to the news service.

The attacks, however, have recently become more advanced as the militants begin to use drones, the AP noted.