It is the fifth such attack in ten days. Rockets struck again, early Thursday, June 18, the Green Zone of Baghdad, in Iraq, where the American Embassy is located, a source of security inside this ultra-secure district, reported to Agence France Presse ( AFP).

AFP journalists heard at least three explosions, followed by the sound of sirens installed in the Green Zone. No casualties or damage was reported immediately. Like the previous ones, these shots were not claimed, even if Washington points the finger at the pro-Iran.

This is the second attack since June 8 near the US Embassy. Other rocket attacks twice targeted Baghdad airport, which is currently closed due to Covid-19 and where American soldiers are stationed, as well as a base north of the capital, Taji, also housing troops from Washington.

At least 32 attacks have targeted U.S. soldiers or diplomats in Iraq since October 2019. 

A resumption of fire which coincides with the launch of a "strategic dialogue"

Tensions between Washington and Tehran, sworn enemies vying for influence in Iraq, have escalated in recent months with the assassination at the beginning of January of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant in Baghdad almost resulting in open conflict.

Since then, Iraq has adopted a new government, which is said to be more pro-American, and rocket fire - which has killed three Americans and one Briton in recent months - has seen a lull.

The recent resumption of fire coincides with the launch on June 11 of a "strategic dialogue" supposed to redefine cooperation between Baghdad and Washington, but which experts say do not expect great results.

American soldiers, who numbered 5,200 last year before hundreds of them were withdrawn due to rockets and the Covid-19, are facing an expulsion decision passed by the Iraqi parliament but never implemented by government.

With AFP

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