The head of Iran’s clandestine overseas services paid a surprise visit to Baghdad after an assassination attempt on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, highlighting Tehran’s outsized role in Iraq’s security.
Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, the Revolutionary Guard commander, who replaced Qassem Soleimani after his assassination last year, arrived in Baghdad late on Sunday to meet Kadhimi and the leaders of Iran-backed militias, Iraqi media and insiders reported.
Earlier, an explosives-laden aerial drone targeted Kadhimi’s home in the highly fortified green zone. Kadhimi was unhurt, but six guards were injured. Iraq’s president Barham Salih described the attack as a prelude to a coup attempt. Washington, Moscow, London and other capitals have decried what was seen as a major attempt to destabilise the country.
No one has admitted carrying out the attack, and the Iraqi government has launched an investigation.
“We will pursue those who committed the crime. We know them well and we will reveal their identities.
“We maintained security in the country, but some are still trying to tamper with Iraq’s security and want it to be a gang state,” Kadhimi said in a statement.
Source » thenationonlineng