Iraq military: Rocket hit Baghdad Green Zone, minor damages

A rocket struck Baghd's heavily fortified Green Zone, seat of Iraq's government, early on Tuesday morning, according to an Iraqi military statement, first attack on area since a new prime minister was sworn in earlier this month.

Katyusha rocket hit an empty house, causing mir dams,. Green Zone is where government buildings and foreign embassies are located. A preliminary investigation indicated rocket was launched from nearby by Al-Idrisi neighborhood on Palestine Street, statement said.

Previous attacks have frequently targeted U.S. presence in Iraq, including U.S. Embassy and Iraqi bases hosting American troops. U.S. has blamed Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi militia group backed by Iran, of perpetrating attacks.

new ministration of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Khimi, who came to power earlier this month, is preparing for a strategic dialogue with Washington, expected to take place next month. talks will touch on security and ecomic cooperation between both countries.

issue of militias acting outside of state control is also expected to be on nda.

Al-Khimi's government, meanwhile, is scrambling to dress a severe financial crisis brought on by falling oil prices and coronavirus pandemic.