Published: 10:50, March 22, 2026
Iraqi intelligence headquarters targeted in Baghdad, officer killed
By Xinhua

Vehicles drive through the streets of Al-Mansour neighborhood near the Iraqi Intelligence Directorate in the Mansour district of Baghdad on March 21, 2026. (PHOTO/AFP)

BAGHDAD - The Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS) said Saturday that its headquarters in Baghdad was targeted by a "terrorist attack," resulting in the death of an officer.

An INIS statement said the attack occurred at about 10:00 am local time (0700 GMT) and was carried out by "outlawed elements," noting that it aims to deter the agency from performing its duties.

It said that the "terrorist acts" only strengthen its resolve to pursue the perpetrators until they are apprehended and brought to justice.

Meanwhile, a source from the Iraqi Interior Ministry told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that an unidentified booby-trapped drone struck the intelligence headquarters, killing an officer and sparking a fire.

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The attack came amid heightened tensions following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran starting on Feb 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and US interests across the Middle East.