Baghdad: three attacks on Westerners, but the goal is government policy
In 24 hours a British convoy, the US embassy and US vehicles were targeted. Diplomatic sources report that paramilitary groups and militias close to Iran are behind the attacks. Retaliation against the Prime Minister's reformist and anti-corruption policies. Changes at the top of the Central Bank and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Baghdad (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In the last 24 hours at least three different attacks in Iraq have hit foreign military or diplomatic installations, confirming an escalation of tension in the country exacerbated by the fight against corruption and armed groups launched by the current government.
Security sources report that there were no victims or injuries in the attacks, but the attacks confirm a growing climate of "pressure" on the executive. In recent days, the Chaldean patriarch himself had emphasized to AsiaNews the unity of purpose in this all-out fight against groups and militias that foment ill-dealings and divisions.
Yesterday morning a rudimentary device exploded as a British embassy vehicle passed, returning from the airport. The attack, the first in over 10 years against a British vehicle, took place near the Green Zone, the high-security area in the center of the capital that hosts diplomatic offices, international institutions and government offices.
During the night, two Katyusha rockets were launched against the American embassy, also within the Green Zone. The C-RAM missile defense system installed at the mission at the beginning of the year foiled the threat. The device warns of the possible arrival of ammunition or explosives and is activated, causing them to explode in the air hitting them with thousands of bullets per minute.
In the early hours of September 14 two explosive devices hit a convoy of US vehicles and supplies.
Intelligence sources say that there are para-military groups or militias linked to Iran behind the attacks. It would be retaliation against Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi's reform agenda, which would end up depriving these groups of funds in their struggle.
In recent days, the premier's cabinet has finally announced a substantial change at the top of some key sectors, including the central bank, the commission for the fight against corruption and that on investments.
The appointments aim to create greater transparency and rigor in the management of public funds and state coffers. Iraq is among the top 20 countries in the world for corruption according to Transparency International, with at least 340 billion in public funds that, since 2003, have ended up in the pockets of unscrupulous traffickers, politicians and entrepreneurs.
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