The US military sent two Apache attack helicopters to fly over the American Embassy in Baghdad on December 31 after it was besieged by pro-militia protesters, who attacked portions of the compound.

Video posted by the US-led anti-IS Coalition shows the helicopters performing a flyover in the vicinity of the embassy and launching flares. According to press reports, the US was also in the process of sending additional Marines to the embassy to help secure the diplomatic site.

“We have taken appropriate force protection actions to ensure the safety of American citizens, military personnel, and diplomats in country, and to ensure our right of self-defense,” US Secretary of Defense Mark T Esper wrote on Twitter. “We are sending additional forces to support our personnel at the Embassy.” Credit: CJTF-OIR via Storyful