• The US embassy in Baghdad was hit by a missile attack, with smoke seen rising from the compound.
• The missile reportedly damaged the embassies air defense system and struck the helipad.
• This incident marks the second attack on the US embassy in Baghdad since the onset of the recent conflict.
• Iran-aligned groups claimed responsibility, threatening to target US facilities in retaliation for recent events.

The US Embassy in Baghdad was targeted in a missile attack on Saturday, with smoke rising from the building according to various security sources. The missile reportedly struck the embassy's helipad, causing some level of damage, although specific details remain unclear, according to India Times and Reuters.

Al Jazeera reports that the missile hit a part of the air defense system at the embassy, igniting a cloud of smoke that was visible from the surrounding area. Videos shared on social media corroborated these claims, showing the extent of the incident after the explosions occurred within the heavily fortified Green Zone where the embassy is located, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

This missile strike marks the second assault on the US diplomatic mission in Baghdad amidst ongoing tensions in the region, particularly following attacks on Iran-backed groups by US and Israeli forces. According to reports, Iran-aligned armed groups have pledged to retaliate against US facilities in Iraq, indicating a dangerous escalation in the ongoing proxy conflict, as stated by India Times and Al Jazeera.