SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region — At least four civilians lost their lives, and six others suffered injuries during the Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Erbil late Monday, as disclosed by the Kurdistan Region’s Security Council.
The attacks, occurring around 11:30 p.m. local time, were claimed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as reported by the Iranian semi-official Tasnim News Agency.
Footage captures rockets striking various locations in #Erbil, accompanied by ongoing sirens at the #US Consulate General. pic.twitter.com/IHqLcdEUPc
— Zoom News (@zoomnewskrd) January 15, 2024
According to a statement from the IRGC, the assault targeted alleged “spy headquarters” and gatherings of anti-Iranian “terrorist” groups in response to perceived “terrorist crimes” committed by Iran’s adversaries.
However, the Kurdistan Region’s Security Council refuted the allegations, asserting in a statement that the missiles struck the residence of Peshraw Dizayi, a prominent businessman in Erbil, resulting in the tragic demise of him, his daughter, and one of his guests.
“The Revolutionary Guards claimed that the assault was directed at various locations belonging to Iranian opposition groups. Regrettably, they consistently employ unfounded pretexts to launch attacks on Erbil, a stable region that has never posed a threat to any party,” a statement reads from the Security Council.
“This act blatantly violates the sovereignty of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. The federal government and the international community should not stay silent regarding this crime,” the statement said.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned the attacks as both “unjustifiable” and “cowardly,” targeting the residents of the Kurdistan Region.
“I urge the federal government in Baghdad to take a principled position against the flagrant violation of Iraq’s and the Kurdistan Region’s sovereignty,” PM Barzani posted on X.
Earlier this evening, Erbil was once again attacked by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. Sadly, during tonight’s unjustifiable attack, several civilians have been martyred and wounded.
My thoughts are with the families of the martyrs and I wish the injured a quick recovery.
— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) January 16, 2024
He also called on call their partners in the international community not to remain silent in the face of repeated attacks against the people of Kurdistan.
“In the next few days, we will work with our partners in the international community to stop these brutal attacks against our innocent people,” Barzani added.
The spokesperson for the US Department of State, Matthew Miller, denounced the assault on his official account, expressing opposition to Iran’s irresponsible missile strikes. He affirmed support for the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government in their endeavors to fulfill the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
We strongly condemn Iran’s attacks in Erbil and offer condolences to the families of the victims. We oppose Iran’s reckless missile strikes and support the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) January 16, 2024
UK Ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Hitchen, strongly condemned Iran’s aggression, calling it a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. He extends condolences to the families of the victims and expresses support for the Kurdistan Regional Government.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the bombing of safe residential areas and civilian casualties. In a statement, it vowed to pursue legal measures, including lodging a complaint with the United Nations Security Council, in response to this unwarranted act of aggression.
The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) strongly condemned the attack on Erbil, emphasizing that actions violating Iraqi sovereignty must cease. UNAMI has also called for addressing security concerns through dialogue, not strikes.
The Kurdistan Region’s Presidency strongly condemned the “hostile attacks” by IRGC, denouncing the “martyrdom” of civilians as an unjustified crime against international humanitarian laws.
“The Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ justification for the attack is completely baseless and untrue. Therefore, we call on the Iraqi Federal Government to immediately launch an investigation to reveal the facts and fulfill its duty to protect the Kurdistan Region and prevent these attacks,” reads a statement from the KRI Presidency.
Last updated at 12:50 p.m.
