Iraq’s prime minister has survived an attempted assassination by a drone armed with explosives.

The government said the drone targeted Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al Kadhimi’s home in Baghdad’s Green Zone early on Sunday.

Baghdad residents heard the sound of an explosion followed by gunfire from the heavily-fortified area, which houses government offices and foreign embassies.

The Iraqi military said Mr al Kadhimi had escaped unhurt.

Mr al Kadhimi’s official Twitter account said he was safe and called for calm.

A statement released by the state-run media said the assassination attempt was with “an explosives-laden drone that tried to target his residence in the Green Zone”.

It added that Mr al Kadhimi was in good health.

“The security forces are taking the necessary measures in connection with this failed attempt,” it said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.