[IRQ]: New Years Day attacks

[Nathan]

Terror in the Capital

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The Green Zone is the bustling centre of Baghdad. Government buildings nestle in between the extrajudicial territory of foreign embassies. For most Iraqis, the Green Zone appears as a secure oasis amongst the chaotic and rebellious Northern Iraq. The men in suits a polarising view to the widespread poverty across the rest of the country.

A convoy of battered vans headed towards the Green Zone. The van windows tinted to obscure the view from the outside. For inside, militants prayed and hoped their basic vans would allow them into the heavily secured zone. The men were dressed head to toe in dark black clothing, sand worn AK-47s in hand and some carried RPGs on their backs. They all had thick bushy beards. Their eyes burned with rage and conflict.

One young male stood out amongst the others. Only 18 and without the eyes of hatred. He was the son of an impoverished farmer desperate to provide for the rest of his children. For the young man, the offer of a large sum of money for his family was a lifeline for his family, but a certain death wish for him.

The 5 vans approached the first checkpoint. The young man looked around the back of the van. It was sweltering hot with 6 men in the back and 2 in the front. Third in the convoy, dust was kicked up around them obscuring the view out the back of the van. Through the windscreen, the man could see the first van reach level with the security check point.

A police officer approached the van. Within a matter of seconds, a shot ran out and the officer dropped down onto the floor. The men of the first van stormed out, firing lead into the remaining officers. The remaining vans quickly sped through the checkpoint and into the heart of the Green zone.

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The young man's van stopped at the Iraqi Parliament. Jumping out of the vehicle the man stormed up the stairs alongside his comrades. Shots were exchanged as overwhelmed officers struggled to hold back the violence and aggression of the attackers. Within minutes, the men had made it into the parliament.

The men quickly began to establish defensive positions inside the main chamber. 20 MPS and more than 50 staff were taken hostage.

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Outside of the parliament, the remaining vans came to a halt. The men jumped out before beginning to prowl the street, shooting those who stood in their way. One group would take hostages in a restaurant popular with foreign diplomats and Iraqi government officials.

A shelter in place order would be transmitted to all embassies, diplomatic missions and government buildings in the area. The army , special forces and newly formed National Guard would receive urgent mobilisation orders.

 

[Bossza007]

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To: <Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Director of Middle East Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs> From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: New Year Terrorist Attack in Baghdad Security Type: NSST Protocol + High Secure Encrypted Method - Protect by NIA Counter-Intelligence Service

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Director Chutintorn Gongsakdi,

I am writing to inform you of a serious security incident unfolding in Baghdad. Shortly after midnight local time, a coordinated attack involving van convoys targeted the Green Zone, including the parliament building and other locations known for housing foreign diplomatic missions.

The Republic Embassy in Baghdad has been evacuated, and fortunately, there are no known injuries or casualties among our staff. However, the situation remains fluid and volatile.

Given the seriousness of this event, I request your immediate attention and assistance. I understand that this may be outside of regular working hours due to the New Year holiday; however, I believe it is critical for the Deputy Foreign Minister, acting in the Foreign Minister's absence, to be informed of this situation as soon as possible.

Please advise on any further actions or resources that may be available to ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic personnel in Iraq.

Sincerely,

Tanat Sangsuwan
Thai Ambassador to Iraq
Republic of Thailand

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Digital Diplomatic Communication​

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To: <Tanat Sangsuwan, Thai Ambassador to Iraq> From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: RE:New Year Terrorist Attack in Baghdad Security Type: NSST Protocol + High Secure Encrypted Method - Protect by NIA Counter-Intelligence Service

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Dear Tanat Sangsuwan,

Thank you for your urgent message regarding the security incident in Baghdad. I understand the seriousness of the situation and deeply regret any concern it may have caused.

I have immediately notified the Deputy Foreign Minister, acting in the Minister's absence, and we are currently in consultation to determine the appropriate course of action based on our government's policies.

In the meantime, please continue to follow the guidance and instructions provided by the Iraqi government. Your safety and the safety of all embassy personnel remain our top priority.

We are actively working to gather further information and will update you as soon as possible with any new developments or instructions.

Sincerely,

Chutintorn Gongsakdi
Director of the Middle East Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Republic of Thailand

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Digital Diplomatic Communication​

 

[Nathan]

The groups on the roam within the Green Zone continued to fire at passing civilians that happened to cross their paths. One explosion ripped through the Green Zone as the terrorists rammed one of the vans into the protective barrier around the justice building. Smoke now bellowed across Baghdad. Federal Police and National Guard officers engaged in a tense firefight on the streets.

Hostages had now been taken at both the Restaurant and the Parliament. Federal Police and National Guard officers carried out a siege against the buildings as negotiators begun the difficult task of securing the release of the hostages.

A shelter in place order was issued to all embassies within the Green zone. Government buildings were locked down and officers brought out heavy armaments to protect themselves and the buildings.

The Presidential Palace was quickly locked down with the President of Iraq forced to take shelter in an underground bunker.

The Ministry of Defence were summoned to take charge of the situation, as part of Operation Pegasus.

 

[Owen]

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The Australian Embassy in Baghdad was located on Haifa Street within the Green Zone, about 1.5km away from the Iraqi Parliament. The Baghdad Embassy would have one of the highest ratio of security contractors to diplomats within the Australian diplomatic mission network. There would be a total of 50 diplomatic staff working in the embassy guarded by 20 security contractors. It was not Australian Government policy to deploy military or police staff to foreign embassies unless deemed appropriate by the National Security Committee of Cabinet, security was to be provided by private civilians from around the world who would be hired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide that work.

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Immediately they would get word of what was happening 1.5km down the road, along with hearing some gunfire in the distance. The security contractors would begin locking down the building, locking the gates and ensuring the perimeter was secure, as well as doors and windows into the embassy itself. Diplomatic staff would be sent to a secure location within the embassy, being the Embassy in Baghdad it would be designed with high-level security in mind. Contractors would begin ensuring they had enough ammunition and weaponry in order to fight off any situation. They wouldn't want to bring attention to themselves though, so they would not stand outside ready to fight, rather would be within the building behind closed doors. The Ambassador, Marc Innes-Brown, would immediatley ring the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Emergency Management Centre back in Canberra to inform them of the situation.