BAGHDAD -- Explosions were heard across 
central and southern Baghdad on Tuesday and Iraqi air defenses intercepted an unidentified drone near the heavily fortified Green Zone, triggering alarm sirens inside the U.S. Embassy compound, according to Iraqi security officials and local media reports.
The Security Media Cell, headed by Lt. Gen. Saad Maan, said in a statement that the sounds heard in several districts of the capital resulted from “processing” a drone in the vicinity of the Green Zone, the sprawling compound that houses parliament, the prime minister’s residence, military headquarters and multiple foreign missions, including the U.S. and British embassies. 
The cell described the drone as unidentified and said investigations into its origin and intended target were ongoing.
A security source told Alsumaria News that air defenses had shot down two drones “used for surveillance.” Another security source cited by Al-Arabiya said the first drone was downed near the Green Zone and the second near Abdul Mohsen Square, and that the U.S. Embassy’s air defense system was activated to intercept them. 
Reuters, citing Iraqi security forces, reported that debris from the two drones was recovered at two locations.
Al-Masirah television reported hearing two explosions in central Baghdad, followed by a third. Sirens were heard inside the U.S. Embassy compound in the Green Zone following the explosions.
No casualties or damage were immediately reported. No group claimed responsibility for the drone incursions.
The Green Zone has been repeatedly targeted by rockets and drones since the start of U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, and the U.S. Embassy has been a recurring target. In April, Iraqi security forces opened fire on a drone flying over the zone, and in March a drone attack struck the Rashid Hotel inside the compound.
Separately on Tuesday, CCTV reported that multiple explosions were heard in the Doura district in southern Baghdad and the Rusafa district in eastern Baghdad, with the cause not immediately clear.
Also on Tuesday, Iraqi government spokesman Haidar al-Aboudi said Iraqi territory would not be used as a passage or launchpad for attacks on any neighboring country, and reiterated Baghdad’s position that the region does not need a wider war.
On the political front, Iraqi newspapers on Tuesday highlighted Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Amman the previous day, during which Iraq and Jordan signed nine cooperation agreements covering diplomatic cooperation, competition and anti-monopoly policy, consumer protection, support for small and medium enterprises, higher education, education, and environmental protection. 
Bilateral trade between the two countries rose 14% in the first eight months of this year to $1.131 billion.