(CNN) — Seven rockets were fired at Iraq’s fortified Green Zone in Baghdad on Tuesday night (local time), killing at least one child and wounding 5 other civilians, according to an Iraqi military statement. Four of the rockets landed within the Green Zone and three outside of it.
A US official said US personnel were taken to shelters when the rockets were fired. The United States has yet to make a full damage assessment, but initial findings indicate that there were no injuries or material damage to the US embassy.
Iraqi security forces have located the rocket launch site in the al-Ameen neighborhood, east of Baghdad, the Iraqi army said.
Footage from the launch site released by the military shows the rocket launcher on fire outside on a street.
It is not uncommon for rockets to be fired in the Green Zone. The timing, however, may be noteworthy. The rockets were launched just after the Trump administration announced that the United States will withdraw thousands of American troops. more from Iraq and Afghanistan by January 15, 2021, just days before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, confirming plans first reported by CNN on Monday.
Rockets have previously been launched in the Green Zone to protest the presence of US troops in Iraq.
With information from Barbara Starr at the Pentagon, Aqeel Najm in Baghdad, Hamdi Alkhshali and Ruba Alhenawi in Atlanta and Ghazi Balkiz in Beirut.
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