BAGHDAD: The US embassy in Iraq on Friday blamed Iran-linked groups for an attack this week on a US diplomatic compound at Baghdad airport, warning it retained 鈥渢he right to self-defense.鈥�
The embassy said in a statement there were 鈥渘o reported casualties鈥� in the attack Tuesday which it said 鈥渨as initiated by Iran-aligned militia groups which operate freely in Iraq.鈥�
It called on Iraq to protect its personnel and facilities.
The compound, located within the airport perimeter but attached to the US embassy, provides logistical support and medical services, among other things.
The attack occurred amid rising regional tensions over the Gaza war and shortly ahead of a visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Iraq.
In its statement, the US embassy said Iraq had 鈥渞epeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions鈥� and US military personnel in the country 鈥渁t the government of Iraq鈥檚 invitation.鈥�
鈥淲e again call on the government of Iraq, as we have done on many occasions, to protect diplomatic and coalition partner personnel and facilities,鈥� it added.
鈥淲e reiterate that we reserve the right to self-defense and to protect our personnel anywhere in the world.鈥�
A senior military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP on Wednesday that 鈥渢wo Katyusha-type rockets鈥� had caused the explosion.
US military and civilian facilities in Iraq have come under repeated attack, both by Sunni Muslim extremists and by Shiite armed groups backed by Iran.