Iraqi prime minister survives drone assassination attempt

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt on Sunday after armed drones targeted his residence in Baghdad.

Why it matters: The drone strike is the latest escalation amid tensions between security forces and Iran-backed militias, who refuse to accept last month's parliamentary election results.

• The assassination attempt comes on the heels of a deadly protest Friday in which at least one protestor was killed and numerous security personnel injured.
• At least six of al-Kadhimi's security guards were injured in the drone strike, according to the Associated Press.

What they're saying: "The rockets of treason will not shake one bit of the steadfastness and determination of the heroic security forces," the prime minister tweeted after the attack.

"I am relieved the Prime Minister was not injured and commend the leadership he has shown," President Biden said in a statement Sunday.

• "The perpetrators of this terrorist attack on the Iraqi state must be held accountable," he added. "I condemn in the strongest terms those using violence to undermine Iraq's democratic process."
• "The United States stands firmly with the government and people of Iraq as they strive to uphold Iraq's sovereignty and independence."