Biden condemns attempted assassination of top Iraqi official

President Biden on Sunday condemned an attempted assassination of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

“I strongly condemn the terrorist attack targeting the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister al-Kadhimi,’ Biden said in a White House statement.

 “I am relieved the Prime Minister was not injured and commend the leadership he has shown in calling for calm, restraint, and dialogue to protect the institutions of the state and strengthen the democracy Iraqis so richly deserve.”

Biden also said those involved in the terrorist attack must be held accountable, adding that he condemned the use of violence to undermine the country’s democratic state. 

“I have instructed my national security team to offer all appropriate assistance to Iraq’s security forces as they investigate this attack and identify those responsible,” Biden said. “The United States stands firmly with the government and people of Iraq as they strive to uphold Iraq’s sovereignty and independence.”

Biden’s remarks come as al-Kadhimi chaired a security meeting Sunday after the failed assassination attempt at his residence. 

Iraqi authorities said that security forces were able to down two of the drones that targeted the prime minister, with the third one hitting his residence. 

Six people on al-Kadhimi’s security team were injured from the attack, as they were outside of the prime minister’s residence in the Green Zone. 

The attempted assassination comes weeks after the country held general elections that were heavily influenced by Iraqi-backed militia groups, causing a low voter turnout.