Iraq says drones attacked military sites and bases, damaging radar systems

PHOTO CAPTION: Illustrative photo — An Iraqi Terminal Attack Controller (ITAC) uses a compact spotting scope to identify a target during Exercise Phoenix Fires, a live fire exercise held at Mosul Dam, Iraq, on October 28, 2021. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Trevor Franklin via U.S. Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)

BAGHDAD  -  Iraq said on Tuesday several military sites and bases belonging to Iraqi security forces were targeted by drones, significantly damaging two army radar systems and triggering a call from the prime minister for an investigation into the incident. 

The source of the drones wasn't clear pending results of the investigation, but two security sources said the drones were small and had been flown to the targeted sites from nearby locations. 

The two badly damaged army radar systems were located at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, and at Imam Ali Base in Dhi Qar province, in southern Iraq, Iraqi military spokesman Sabah al-Numan said in a statement.

Iraqi forces successfully repelled other attempted attacks on four additional sites in different locations before the drones could reach their targets. No casualties were reported, the spokesman said. 

The statement said all the targeted locations were fully operated and managed by Iraqi security forces.

Iraq's prime minister ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the attack, the spokesman said.

 (Reporting by Jana Choukeir and Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Bernadette Baum // REUTERS)