[pjw] NEWS: Iraqi Prime minister unhurt after assassination attempt by drone (DW 11/7)

[Peace and Justice Works]

Iraq Affinity Group supporters
I'm not sure why I haven't been hearing this story on the news-- maybe 
I'm not tuning in to the right places-- about a drone strike on the home 
of Iraq's current prime minister.

It's kind of ironic that President Biden, who you may remember voted for 
the Iraq war, is calling for calm and restraint. The ongoing violence can 
be linked back to the US invasion and occupation.

dan handelman
peace and justice works iraq affinity group

  https://www.dw.com/en/iraq-prime-minister-unhurt-after-assassination-attempt-by-drone/a-59744757
Iraq: Prime minister unhurt after assassination attempt by drone
    The residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was hit in a
    drone attack. The military has described the strike as an assassination
    attempt.

    Explosions have hit the home of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa
    al-Kadhimi, Iraqi officials said Sunday.

    The prime minister is "in good health" and was unharmed in the strike,
    the military and government said, describing the drone attack as an
    assassination attempt.

    "The security forces are taking the necessary measures in connection
    with this failed attempt," a statement released by state-run media
    said.

    Al-Kadhimi himself later appeared on state television to say he was
    unhurt and to condemn the attack.

    After chairing a security meeting, Al-Kadhimi said Sunday evening that
    those behind the attack were well known and would be exposed.

    "We will pursue those who committed yesterday's crime, we know them
    well and we will expose them," he said, according to a statement from
    his office.

What we know about the attack

    According to a statement from the Iraqi military, the attack was
    carried out early on Sunday by an armed drone that was carrying
    explosives.

    The drone targeted the prime minister's residence, which is located in
    the heavily-fortified Green Zone in the capital, Baghdad. At least
    seven security guards were injured in the attack, two Iraqi officials
    said.

    Two other drones were shot down before they could reach their target,
    the Iraqi Interior Ministry said.

Attack draws chorus of international condemnation

    Germany and the United States condemned Sunday's drone attack, with
    Washington referring to it as an "apparent act of terrorism."

    US President Joe Biden condemned the attack on al-Kadhimi"s
    residence in a written statement and praised al-Khadimi's call for
    "calm, restraint, and dialogue."

    A German Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: "Iraq's democratization
    process must not be undermined by political violence."

    The spokesperson called for calm and said that work toward
    de-escalation and dialogue should take place between all sides.

    Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, also condemned the
    assassination attempt, and blamed unspecified "foreign"  interference
    in Iraqi affairs for "insecurity, conflict and instability."

    Iraq's southern neighbor Saudi Arabia called the attack "cowardly,"
    with the UK and Egypt also issuing similar statements.

What is the situation in Iraq?

    The attack comes as supporters of several heavily armed pro-Iranian
    groups protested the result of Iraq's general election ]held last
    month. The demonstrations were staged near the entrance of the Green
    Zone.

    Tensions escalated on Friday when a protester was killed after the
    demonstrators marched toward the Green Zone. Several members of the
    security forces were injured in an exchange of fire.

    Al-Kadhimi has ordered an investigation into the cause of unrest.
    Authorities will also determine who violated orders not to open fire.

    While international powers have praised the October 10 election,
    pro-Iranian groups faced a severe blow as the biggest losers.
    Supporters of the militias have since pitched tents near the Green
    Zone, which houses foreign embassies and government offices, and have
    demanded a recount.

    Shiite cleric and Iran critic Moqtada al-Sadr, whose faction was seen
    as the major winner of the vote, condemned Sunday's "terrorist act."

    Al-Kadhimi, who has been in power since May 2020, called last month's
    election following widespread and deadly anti-corruption protests
    that toppled his predecessor, Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

    mm, ab,see/fb (AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa)