Baghdad residents reported fear and confusion as explosions illuminated the sky following drone and rocket strikes on the Green Zone and other key sites, escalating violence in the Iraqi capital.
Late Monday, coordinated attacks by armed factions targeted the US embassy, government and diplomatic compounds, and facilities near Baghdad International Airport, according to Iraq's security officials.
The attacks on the Green Zone were reported to have begun around 22:00 local time, with explosions occurring in quick succession. A drone strike hit the upper floors of the Rashid Hotel, which hosts the European Union mission and several European diplomatic offices, damaging two parked vehicles when debris from an intercepted drone fell into a garage.
Iraq's air defence systems intercepted several drones, shooting down at least three. One crashed in the Jadriya district. Additional drones targeting a logistics support centre at Baghdad International Airport were also intercepted within a short timeframe.
Iraq's Interior Ministry stated that civil defence teams responded promptly to a projectile landing on the Rashid Hotel roof, confirming no casualties or significant damage and that the situation was under control.
The attacks followed the announcement by Iran-aligned Kataeb Hezbollah of the death of a senior figure and spokesperson, Abu Ali al-Askari. Security officials and local reports indicated he may have been killed in a recent Baghdad strike.
Early Tuesday, the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" group said it carried out more than 20 attacks in the past day, using drones and rockets against US forces in Iraq and nearby areas. This suggests the conflict may be spreading.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani called the attacks "terrorist" acts and told security and intelligence agencies to find those responsible. His office said the strikes hit the Rashid Hotel, the US embassy, and the Majnoon oil field, warning that these actions could have serious consequences for Iraq.
"These criminal acts undermine government efforts to achieve stability and development," said government spokesperson Sabah al-Numan. He added that security forces have been told to act quickly to catch those responsible.
Sudani also ordered an investigation into possible security lapses, emphasising that Iraq's national security and the safety of its citizens are a "red line".
These events are part of a wider rise in violence. Earlier on Monday, the government said eight Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) members were killed and seven wounded in what officials described as a "treacherous and cowardly attack" on a unit in al-Qaim, near the Syrian border.
Officials called the attack a violation of Iraqi sovereignty and pointed out that the PMF is under the command of the country's top military leader.
Recent days have seen intensified air strikes against positions linked to armed factions in several Iraqi provinces, resulting in casualties among field commanders. Analysts view this as part of a broader regional confrontation involving Iran-aligned groups and US forces.
Former Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari said on X that these attacks mark a dangerous turning point.
"Tonight attacks on Al Rashid Hotel in Baghdad & U.S. Embassy in Green Zone in Baghdad and Victory base in BIAP plus attacks on Erbil mean an all-out war by the Iraqi militias to broaden the conflict and engulf the country in the current military conflict," he wrote.
Separately, Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council warned that attacks on diplomatic missions constitute acts of terrorism under Iraqi law and may carry the death penalty. It said such acts violate international law, including the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which obliges host countries to protect foreign missions.
The council warned that failing to protect diplomatic sites could lead to international legal and political problems for Iraq, including sanctions or diplomatic issues, as the government seeks to maintain stability and good foreign relations.