Hundreds of angry protesters chanting “death to America” broke into the U.S. embassy compound in Baghdad in response to American airstrikes on an Iranian-backed militia in Iraq.
Video and photos from the scene showed walls surrounding the embassy compound on fire and the pro-Iranian protesters smashing the windows of the embassy.
U.S. diplomats and embassy staffers took shelter in a fortified safe room inside the embassy, according to the Washington Post. The staffers declined to give details about their situation except for saying they felt secure.
American security forces used tear gas in an attempt to disperse the protesters, according to reports. An Associated Press reporter saw several U.S. soldiers on the roof of the embassy’s main building as flames rose inside the compound.
Over the weekend, the United States carried out five airstrikes in Iraq and Syria on facilities controlled by Kataib Hezbollah. At least two dozen were killed and more than 50 wounded in the strikes.
President Trump accused Iran of orchestrating the attack on the embassy.
“They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!” he tweeted early Tuesday.
Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2019
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi and President Barham Salih by phone on Tuesday, telling them the U.S. “will protect and defend its people, who are there to support a sovereign and independent Iraq,” according to spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus.
“Both Abdul-Mahdi and Salih assured the secretary that they took seriously their responsibility for and would guarantee the safety and security of U.S. personnel and property,” Ortagus said in a statement.
Trump also spoke with the Iraqi prime minister on Tuesday. During the call, Trump “emphasized the need to protect United States personnel and facilities in Iraq,” according to the White House.
A spokesman for the Kataib Hezbollah militia said the protesters would besiege the embassy until it shuts down and U.S. diplomats leave Iraq. While the embassy is under lockdown, a spokesperson told CNN that it has not been evacuated and that the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Matthew Tueller, was not present at the time of the attack as he is currently on a previously scheduled vacation.
