BAGHDAD: An officer of the Iraq’s National Intelligence Service was killed on Saturday in what authorities described as a terrorist attack near its headquarters in Baghdad.
The agency said in a statement on X: “At 10:00 am (0700GMT) today, Saturday, the perimeter of the National Intelligence Service site in Baghdad was targeted by a terrorist attack carried out by outlaw groups, resulting in the martyrdom of an officer.”
Describing the strike as “a desperate attempt aimed at deterring the service from carrying out its professional duties,” the agency emphasised its commitment to continue operations.
It added that “such terrorist practices will only increase its determination and resolve to pursue the perpetrators and those responsible until they are arrested and brought to justice.”
Saad Maan, head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell, confirmed that “at 10:15 am today (0715GMT), a drone fell on the headquarters of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service in Al-Mansour area (western Baghdad),” as reported by the Iraqi News Agency.
Separately, factions associated with the so-called “Iraqi resistance” claimed the attack took place following “the escape of a number of US intelligence personnel” amid ongoing shelling near the US embassy and Victoria Base. These claims have not been independently confirmed.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following the escalation that began on February 28, when United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran, leading to retaliatory drone and missile attacks by Tehran across the Middle East.
