Baghdad: Mortar attack during VP Bidens visit to US Embassy

Mortar shells were fired on the US Embassy in Baghdad just hours after American Vice President Joe Biden landed in the city, however, he remained safe. According to the Iraqi Police, four mortars struck near the embassy when Biden, Senior US Military Official General Ray Odierno and US Ambassador Chris Hill were attending a meeting at the embassy. The sound of blasts were heard inside the embassy while according to the officials Bidens presence and activities were kept confidential due to security concerns. US Ambassador Hill and General Odiernos briefing to media was also cancelled after the incident. Reports said that after the blasts sounds were heard, the embassy officials were instructed on loud speaker to lie down and hide.