UN condemns assassination attempt on Iraqi PM 'in the strongest terms'

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has condemned "in the strongest terms" the assassination attempt on Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, following a drone attack overnight on Sunday, aimed at his house in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.

According to news reports, the exploding drone caused damage to the residence and several of the Prime Minister's security guards were injured in the attack.

Al-Kadhimi, was sworn into office in May last year.

The Green Zone houses Government offices and many foreign embassies. No group has so far claimed any responsibility for the attack and remains from the explosive-laden drone have been recovered, as part of an on-going investigation.

"The Mission expresses its relief that the Prime Minister was not hurt in the drone attack", said the UNAMI statement.

In a statement, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also strongly condemned the attack, and called for the perpetrators "of this crime, to be held accountable."

"The Secretary-General calls on all Iraqis to exercise utmost restraint and reject all violence and any attempts to destabilize Iraq. He urges all political actors to uphold the constitutional order and resolve differences through peaceful and inclusive dialogue."

"Terrorism, violence and unlawful acts must not be allowed to undermine Iraq's stability and derail its democratic process", it continued.

The attack has been condemned by both the Government of Iran, and the United States.

On Friday, protests outside the Green Zone, against the results of the last month's parliamentary elections turned violent, as demonstrators clashed with security forces, reportedly accusing Iraq's political elite of rigging the vote.

One protester was reportedly killed, and dozens of security personnel were injured. The Prime Minister has ordered an investigation into what led to the violence.

Turnout for the election was low, with just 41 per cent turning out to vote, and supporters of pro-Iranian parties and militias, lost ground, according to preliminary results. Protesters are reportedly calling for the Government, and Iraq's independent electoral commission, to hold a recount.

The UN Mission joined the Prime Minister, in calling for "calm and urging restraint" in the coming days following the assassination attempt.

"Moreover, UNAMI strongly encourages all sides to take responsibility for de-escalation and to engage in dialogue to ease political tensions, upholding the national interest of Iraq."

The UNAMI statement concluded by noting that the United Nations "stands by all Iraqis who long for peace and stability; they deserve nothing less.