{"id":38002,"date":"2020-01-08T23:32:45","date_gmt":"2020-01-08T23:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/01\/08\/rockets-slam-baghdads-green-zone\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T03:17:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:17:49","slug":"rockets-slam-baghdads-green-zone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/flashpoints\/2020\/01\/08\/rockets-slam-baghdads-green-zone\/","title":{"rendered":"Rockets slam Baghdad\u2019s Green Zone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

During the U.S. engagement in Iraq, rocket attacks on bases were so common they garnered little public attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Wednesday afternoon Eastern time, the Iraqi government claimed two rockets hit Baghdad\u2019s Green Zone, causing no casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The big difference this time is that the attack follows Iran\u2019s ballistic missile<\/a> strike of two Iraqi bases housing coalition troops. And it came just hours after President Donald Trump announced that Iran was \u201cstanding down\u201d from further attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While no group has claimed responsibility, and military officials expect continued strikes from Iranian proxies, today\u2019s strike is a vivid reminder of how fraught the situation is in Iraq.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neither Operation Inherent Resolve nor the Pentagon immediately responded to requests for comment. A U.S. source on the ground confirmed to Military Times that Baghdad\u2019s Green Zone had been hit with a rocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest attack raises concerns anew of Iran-backed militias orchestrating attacks that could push the U.S. into a broader conflict with Iran \u2014 especially as tensions with Iran remain on edge following Tehran\u2019s launch of 16 ballistic missiles targeting coalition troops housed at the al-Asad and Irbil Iraqi bases.<\/p>\n\n\n\t