00:20Gunfire echoed across Baghdad's heavily fortified green zone, and within minutes,
00:27social media was flooded with claims that the U.S. embassy was under drone attack.
00:32But what really happened?
00:34Fresh concerns over security in Iraq's capital have emerged after a drone entered the restricted airspace above Baghdad's green zone,
00:44prompting an immediate response from Iraqi security forces and triggering widespread speculation online.
00:51Videos circulating on social media showed tracer rounds streaking across the night sky as security personnel opened fire.
01:01Early posts claimed the U.S. embassy had come under attack,
01:06raising fears of another major escalation in one of the Middle East's most sensitive diplomatic zones.
01:13However, Iraqi officials say the situation appears to have been far less severe than initial reports suggested.
01:20According to Iraq's security media cell, security forces detected a small drone flying directly over the green zone,
01:29an area that houses the U.S. embassy, Iraqi government institutions, and several foreign diplomatic missions.
01:36Lieutenant General Saad Man, spokesperson for the security media cell,
01:42said Iraqi forces tracked the drone and engaged it before it could pose a threat.
01:47Officials confirmed that the gunfire heard in the viral videos was Iraqi security forces attempting to shoot down the drone,
01:55not an exchange of fire inside the green zone.
01:59Authorities also said there were no casualties and no confirmed damage to the U.S. embassy.
02:05And the drone was successfully intercepted.
02:08But the incident is another reminder that, despite periods of relative calm,
02:14Baghdad's green zone remains one of the most sensitive and closely watched security flashpoints in the region.
02:23We'll see you next time.
02:31We'll see you next time.
02:37We'll see you next time.
02:51Subscribe to OneIndia and never miss an update.
02:56Download the OneIndia app now.
Comments