Explosion at American institute in Najaf

(18 Sep 2020) An improvised explosive device blew up outside an English-language institute in southern Iraq early on Friday without causing any casualties, Iraqi police said in a statement. This comes amid a recent uptick in attacks targeting the American presence in Iraq. The blast damaged the facade of the American Institute for English Learning in the holy city of Najaf, a statement from the province's police directorate said. The school is not formally affiliated with any institutions in the US. It was believed to to have been targeted because it offered English-language lessons to Iraqis. No Americans were employed there. Attacks targeting the US presence have been on the rise since Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi traveled to Washington last month to conclude strategic talks. Hours before Friday's attack on the English-language center, a roadside bomb targeted an Iraqi convoy transporting equipment headed for the US-led coalition without causing any losses. There are more than 5,000 American troops in Iraq at present. Last month, the top US general for the Middle East said he believed the US would keep a smaller but enduring presence in the country. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...