Pro-Iran faction urges Iraqi troops 'get away' from US forces in bases

Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline pro-Iran faction in Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi military network, warned Iraqi troops to keep ir distance from US forces at military bases.

"We ask security forces in country to get at least 1,000 metres away from US bases starting on Sunday at 5:00pm (1930 IST)," said group.

vehemently anti-American group's statement came after mortars and rockets hit near US embassy and a base where US troops are stationed.

Mortar rounds hit an area near US embassy in Baghd on Saturday evening, security sources told AFP.

Moments later, two rockets slammed into an Iraqi base where American troops are deployed, security sources said.

Iraqi military confirmed missile attacks in Baghd and on Bal base and said re were casualties.

Planes from US-led coalition were heard circulating above ir bases in Kirkuk province, AFP's correspondent re said.

A US defence official said coalition's surveillance capabilities h been redirected away from Islamic State group to focus on possible new rocket attacks.

missile attacks appeared to be first hints of a retaliatory response to killing by US of a top Iranian general near Baghd airport on Friday.

Iran's Major General Qasem Soleimani was killed alongside a top Iraqi paramilitary commander in US drone attack, which was most dramatic escalation yet in spiralling tensions between Tehran and Washington.