US embassy in Baghdad 'suspends consular operations'
Decision comes a day after protesters stormed American mission’s outer perimeter
A US Army soldier is seen at a watchtower of the US Embassy during a protest to condemn air strikes on bases belonging to Hashd al-Shaabi (paramilitary forces), in Baghdad, Iraq January 1, 2020. REUTERS/Khalid al-Mousily
BAGHDAD:
The US Embassy in Baghdad said on Wednesday that all public consular operations were suspended, a day after Iran-backed militias and their supporters stormed its outer perimeter, setting fires, throwing rocks and smashing surveillance cameras.
“Due to militia attacks at the US Embassy compound, all public consular operations are suspended until further notice. All future appointments are cancelled. US citizens are advised to not approach the embassy,” it said in a statement.
US sending hundreds more troops after Baghdad embassy attacked
Moreover, Iraqi paramilitary groups who have been protesting against the air strikes began to withdraw from the perimeter of the US Embassy in Baghdad, although some supporters remained.
By Wednesday afternoon many had left the embassy and started setting up a protest camp in front of a nearby hotel.
A small group of protesters remained and said they would not leave till US forces were expelled from Iraq.
The US Embassy in Baghdad said on Wednesday that all public consular operations were suspended, a day after Iran-backed militias and their supporters stormed its outer perimeter, setting fires, throwing rocks and smashing surveillance cameras.
“Due to militia attacks at the US Embassy compound, all public consular operations are suspended until further notice. All future appointments are cancelled. US citizens are advised to not approach the embassy,” it said in a statement.
US sending hundreds more troops after Baghdad embassy attacked
Moreover, Iraqi paramilitary groups who have been protesting against the air strikes began to withdraw from the perimeter of the US Embassy in Baghdad, although some supporters remained.
By Wednesday afternoon many had left the embassy and started setting up a protest camp in front of a nearby hotel.
A small group of protesters remained and said they would not leave till US forces were expelled from Iraq.