The U.S. is sending more troops to protect the embassy compound penetrated by militias and their supporters in Baghdad on Tuesday.
U.S. officials say they do not plan to evacuate the embassy.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper says the U.S. has taken actions to “ensure the safety of American citizens, military personnel and diplomats.”
Dozens of Iraqi Shiite militiamen and their supporters broke into the U.S. Embassy compound, smashing a main door, setting fire to a reception area and drawing tear gas fired by embassy guards.
The mob was angered over deadly U.S. airstrikes that targeting the Iran-backed militia on Sunday.
Earlier, President Donald Trump blamed Iran for the breach of the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad and called on Iraq to protect the embassy.
Trump tweeted Tuesday that “Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many.” Trump says, “We strongly responded, and always will.
Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!”
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