At least three rockets struck the US embassy in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Sunday night. One rocket directly hit the embassy’s restaurant or canteen while two others landed a short distance away. At least one person was injured, US official confirmed. No group has claimed responsibility but the US State Department spokesperson made reference to Iranian threats in the region and past attacks by Iranian-backed militia. Caretaker Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi condemned the attack, stating that the continuation of such acts could “drag Iraq into becoming a battlefield”
US Basketball legend Kobe Bryant and one of his daughters were among nine people killed on Sunday morning when a helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California. Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna had been expected at the Mamba Sports Academy for a basketball game scheduled for Sunday when Gianna was expected to play in the game and Bryant was expected to coach. Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, played for the LA Lakers throughout his career and is considered one of the greatest players in the game’s history. Moments of silence have been observed at basketball games across the US.
A dozen of protesters have been killed in Iraq in the past two days, while hundreds were injured, Iraq’s High Commission of Human Rights confirmed on Sunday. The commission further explained that nine protesters were killed in capital Baghdad, while three others were left dead in the southern city of Nasiriyah.
