Stunning videos appear to show rockets raining down on the US embassy compound in Baghdad

Stunning videos appear to show rockets raining down on the US embassy compound in Baghdad
Abbie Shull, Business Insider
Fri, January 14, 2022, 12:55 PM·2 min read

US officials blame "terror groups" for a rocket attack against the US embassy in Baghdad that wounded a woman and child on Thursday.

Video captured during the attack appears to show the embassy's C-RAM defense system shooting down at least two rockets.

In a statement, the Iraqi military said the attack was launced from the Dora neighborhood of Baghdad.

Striking video of a rocket attack on the US embassy in Baghdad appears to show the embassy's C-RAM defense system — meant to detect and destroy incoming rockets — shooting down at least two rockets on Thursday as more got through.



US officials blamed"terror groups" for the nighttime attack that was launched from the Dora neighborhood of Baghdad and said a woman and child were injured.

Three missiles struck within the perimeter of the US embassy, Iraqi security officials told the Associated Press. At least one of the missiles hit the Elaf school.

The videos show the US-made system firing 20mm rounds, some with illumination, through its six barrels so rapidly the sound of the shots blend together. One video appears to show a rocket strike at close range to the person recording.



Witnesses said they could hear explosions and videos taken by BBC correspondent Nafiseh Kohnavard appear to show the C-RAM defense system engaging around 7:30 pm local time on Thursday.

This attack is the latest in a string of attacks targeting bases or installations with U.S. military and diplomatic personnel, some of which have been attributed to militias with ties to Iran. There have been no US casualties as a result of the attacks.

Last month, the top commander for the Middle East, Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie, told the Associated Press that he believes there will be an increase in attacks on U.S. and Iraqi personnel by Iranian-backed militias who are determined to get American forces out.

Temple wrote:

Why are we still there..
pack up and leave them to their own misery.

We have embassies in most every country on the planet, and they have them in ours. Do you even know what the function of an embassy is???

You must have been asleep back when the 2012 Benghazi attack occurred, which was a coordinated attack against two United States government facilities in Benghazi and we lost American lives.

The Wise And Powerful wrote:

Temple wrote:

Why are we still there..
pack up and leave them to their own misery.

We have embassies in most every country on the planet, and they have them in ours. Do you even know what the function of an embassy is???

You must have been asleep back when the 2012 Benghazi attack occurred, which was a coordinated attack against two United States government facilities in Benghazi and we lost American lives.

Yes, I'm well aware--
but-- Trying to find peace or create it in Afgan or Iran etc- is futile.
If it weren't for the citizens, if me, I'd blow it off the map..
There is win win over there. Never will be.

Temple wrote:

There is win win over there. Never will be.

What ever that ↑ means.

Attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities. This list hasn't been updated for a few months, but I'm sure you'll figure it out, Temple.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attacks_on_U.S._diplomatic_facilities

The Wise And Powerful wrote:

Attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities. This list hasn't been updated for a few months, but I'm sure you'll figure it out, Temple.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attacks_on_U.S._diplomatic_facilities

I got that--
What I'm saying--
If Afgan were to be obliterated then there
would be no need for ''U.S._diplomatic_facilities''
It is a burden for Americans to maintain anything there.

What is a U.S. Embassy?

An embassy is the headquarters for U.S. Government representatives serving in a foreign country.

It is normally led by an ambassador, who is the U.S. President’s representative to the host country. An embassy is normally located in the capital city. It may have branches, known as consulates, in other cities.

U.S. embassies and consulates abroad, as well as foreign embassies and consulates in the United States, have a special status. While the host government is responsible for the security of U.S. diplomats and the area around an embassy, the embassy itself belongs to the country it represents. Representatives of the host country cannot enter an embassy without permission — even to put out a fire — and an attack on an embassy is considered an attack on the country it represents.

The ambassador, also known as the chief of mission, is the highest-ranking diplomat to the host country and is the personal representative of the President. He or she is comparable to a CEO of a corporation and has to be a strong leader and a good manager. He or she is supported by a deputy, known as the deputy chief of mission, and a team of U.S. Foreign Service Officers and specialists from the Department of State. He or she may also be supported by representatives from other U.S. agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Justice, Homeland Security, and Agriculture, among others. No matter their agency, all employees work under the direction of the ambassador.

The primary purpose of an embassy is to assist American citizens who travel to or live in the host country. U.S. Foreign Service Officers also interview citizens of the host country who wish to travel to the United States for business, education, or tourism purposes. Embassy staff interact with representatives of the host government, local businesses, nongovernmental organizations, the media and educational institutions, as well as private citizens to increase understanding of the United States and its policies and to collaborate on shared interests. Embassy staff analyze the political and economic situation in the host country and report back to the Department of State on issues that affect the United States. They help U.S. businesses find partners and customers and may train the host government’s police and military to support better security in the country. They also sponsor educational, professional and cultural exchanges to introduce emerging and established leaders to the United States and to promote ties between U.S. and foreign students, academics, scientists, entrepreneurs, political, religious, and civil society figures.

While Americans work at embassies and consulates, most of the staff comes from the host country. These employees are essential to the success of any embassy because they know the local culture, have essential skills, or are well connected to government and civil society leaders.

A large embassy may have annexes. The main embassy building is called the chancery. As the public face of the United States, it is often an architectural work of art. In some countries, American staff may live on the embassy compound, but they frequently live in apartments or houses in the host city. The ambassador’s residence is often used for official functions, and its public areas are often decorated with American art on loan from museums.