(Image Credit: Khalil al-Mousily/Reuters)

Washington, September 29 (RHC)-- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has threatened to close the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad unless Iraqi forces can prevent rocket attacks on U.S. targets.  Several sources say the U.S. is already preparing to withdraw diplomats from Baghdad. 

Iraqi officials are calling on all parties to avoid an escalation over fears such a move by the U.S. could be a precursor to conflict with Iran, which the U.S. blames for the attacks.  

On Monday, the Iraqi Army said a rocket fired at Baghdad airport, where U.S. troops are stationed, missed its target and killed five civilians -- three Iraqi children and two women, all from the same family.