A drone struck the Al-Rasheed Hotel in central Baghdad on Monday evening, sending flames and thick smoke billowing from the upper floors of the landmark building in one of the most symbolically charged attacks on the Iraqi capital since the US-Iran war began more than two weeks ago, APA reports.
The strike, which hit the 18-story hotel at approximately 7 p.m. local time, was captured in eyewitness videos circulated widely on social media, showing a bright explosion followed by fire engulfing parts of the structure. The hotel's illuminated "RASHEED" sign was clearly visible against the night sky as the flames spread.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and Iraqi authorities have not confirmed the origin or type of the drone used.
No immediate civilian casualties at the hotel were reported, though the situation remained fluid as emergency personnel responded to the scene. The strike coincided with a broader wave of attacks on nearby sites, including Baghdad International Airport and facilities linked to the US presence, in which at least five people were injured.
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