An assasination attempt took place on Saturday against Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Qazim with the use of a drone planted with explosives.

The attack took place shortly after noon in front of a rally in Baghdad, killing at least 40 people. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack and six members of Mustafa al-Kazimi’s bodyguards have been injured. There have been a number of rocket attacks and exchanges of fire in the green zone of the Iraqi capital in recent days. Mustafa al-Kazimi has taken office as Prime Minister following a parliamentary term in May 2020.

Iraq is going through a period of intense political turmoil as the October 10 parliamentary elections triggered the escalation of tensions. The election results, which are expected to be announced within days, are being challenged by the country’s political forces, including the coalition of pro-Iranian Shiite paramilitary factions, Hasd al-Saabi.

With information from: ΑΠΕ ΜΠΕ

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