Iraq police intercept attack on Baghdad airport

Coalition soldiers fly to Baghdad International Airport from the International Zone in a US Blackhawk helicopter on May 31, 2021 in Baghdad, Iraq [John Moore/Getty Images]

The Iraqi Ministry of Defence announced on Friday thwarting an attack intended to target a military base at Baghdad International Airport, Anadolu Agency reported.

“Based on precise information, the Federal Police thwarted an attack attempt that would have targeted one of the military bases in the west of Baghdad with eight grad rockets,” the Defence Ministry disclosed in a statement.

According to the statement reported by Anadolu Agency, the rockets were discovered in Al-Jihad neighbourhood in the West of Baghdad, and a suspect was detained.

Operation commander, Major General Ahmed Salim, confirmed that the potential attack had intended to target Baghdad International Airport.

No parties have yet claimed responsibility for the planned attack.

Over the past few months, military bases hosting US troops have been targeted; the US has always accused pro-Iran military groups of carrying out the attacks.

Around 3,000 soldiers from the anti-Daesh international coalition are deployed in Iraq, including 2,500 US soldiers.

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