Iraq PM survives assassination bid

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi escaped unhurt from an "assassination attempt" in which an explosives-packed drone hit his Baghdad residence early yesterday, a new escalation in the country's post-election turmoil.

Washington condemned the "apparent act of terrorism" while Iraqi President Barham Saleh called the attack, which was not immediately claimed by any group, an attempted "coup against the constitutional system".

Kadhemi, aged 54 and in power since May 2020, appealed for "calm and restraint" before chairing a security meeting at his office in the high-security Baghdad Green Zone, where the overnight attack took place.

Three drones were launched from near a Tigris River bridge but two were intercepted, according to security sources, who said two bodyguards were wounded.

Gunfire rang out and smoke rose from the Green Zone after the strike, which the premier's office labelled a "failed assassination attempt".

Photos issued by Kadhemi's office showed debris strewn on the ground below a damaged exterior stairway and a door that had been dislodged.

Kadhemi said in a short video that "my residence has been the target of a cowardly assault. Praise God, I am fine."

The attack came two days after security forces clashed with supporters of Iran-backed parties that lost support in the October 10 parliament election and who have charged they were the victims of vote irregularities.

The United States, which has around 2,500 troops in the country, said it was "relieved to learn the Prime Minister was unharmed".

Iran condemned the attack and urged "vigilance to foil plots aimed at the security and development" of Iraq.

The attack was also condemned by the Arab League, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and United Arab Emirates as well as the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq.

Moqtada Sadr, an influential Shia Muslim preacher whose political movement was the big election winner, condemned the drone attack as "against Iraq and the Iraqi people".

The strike came amid soaring tensions over the elections, the fifth such vote since the 2003 US-led invasion.