Iraqi prime minister escapes bid on life; drones used in attack

DPA Baghdad Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Sunday survived an assassination attempt targeting his home using three drones carrying explosives, ...

DPABaghdadIraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Sunday survived an assassination attempt targeting his home using three drones carrying explosives, the Interior Ministry said.Security forces in the area shot down two drones while the third managed to hit its target in Baghdad’s Green Zone, ministry spokesman Saad Maan told state television al-Iraqiya.“Al-Kadhimi was not harmed, while some people in the house suffered injuries. They are receiving treatment,” the official added without giving details.The attack comes amid tensions in the country over the results of parliamentary polls held last month. Groups that suffered significant losses in the October 10 vote and encouraged their loyalists to take to the streets to protest against alleged fraud.Shortly after the attack was reported, al-Kadhimi said on Twitter he was fine and called for calm and self-restraint.Later, he issued a televised statement: “My house came under a treacherous aggression. I am and those working with me are in a very good condition,” said al-Kadhimi, who took office in May last year.“Treacherous missiles and drones do not build countries and futures,” he added, sat next to an Iraqi flag.“We are working to build our country through respecting the state and its institutions as well as establishing a better future for all Iraqis.”  Al-Kadhimi also called for an “objective and constructive dialogue” in Iraq.The Iraqi state news agency INA posted images purportedly showing damage resulting from the attack. The images show debris and a door removed from its place inside a building allegedly resulting from the attack.Security forces also found on the roof of the premier’s home unexploded projectiles linked to the attack, INA reported.Al-Kadhimi was seen in images released on Sunday meeting officials, while part of his left hand appeared in a white bandage.So far, there has been no official confirmation that he has sustained any injury.Al-Kadhimi on Sunday received phone calls from the leaders of Egypt and Jordan as well as the head of the Arab League and the Lebanese premier, who condemned the attack, INA said.Iraqi President Barham Salih called the attack a “terrorist aggression” and a “heinous crime” against Iraq.“This requires unity against the evildoers targeting the security of this country and its people’s safety,” Salih said on Twitter.The UN mission in Iraq said it condemned the attack “in the strongest terms.” “Terrorism, violence and unlawful acts must not be allowed to undermine Iraq’s stability and derail its democratic process,” the statement said.An official at the Iraqi militia, the Hezbollah Brigades, meanwhile, downplayed the incident.