Erbil Attack Sparks Wide Local, Foreign Condemnations

Kurdistan 10:00 AM - 2024-01-16

The attack scene.

The incident that occurred in the Kurdish capital Erbil on the night of January 15, 2024, was condemned by the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (UK), and the United Nations (UN). The Iraqi Foreign Ministry announced its intention to lodge a formal complaint with the UN Security Council.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared responsibility for an extensive ballistic missile assault on the capital of the Kurdistan Region, Erbil, resulting in the death of at least four individuals and the injury of six more. 

The assault elicited both local and international condemnation, prompting a planned demonstration in Erbil to denounce the incident.

Matthew Miller, the Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, condemned the attack and said in a post on X platform: "The United States strongly condemns Iran’s attacks in Erbil today and offers condolences to the families of those who were killed. We oppose Iran’s reckless missile strikes, which undermine Iraq’s stability. We support the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people."

The British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hitchen expressed condemnation of the deadly attack and said in a post on X platform: "I condemn Iran’s act of aggression against Erbil, a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those killed in these attacks and express my support for the Kurdistan Regional Government at this critical time."

Furthermore, the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said in a post on X platform:  "We strongly condemn last night’s Iranian attack on locations in Erbil, Iraq's Kurdistan Region, which caused civilian casualties. Attacks, by any side, violating Iraqi sovereignty & territorial integrity must stop. Security concerns must be addressed through dialogue, not strikes."

In an official statement, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry declared: "The attack poses a threat to Iraq's sovereignty and the safety of its citizens, as well as damaging relations with neighboring countries and regional stability. We will pursue all necessary legal actions in response to the attack in Erbil and submit a formal complaint to the UN Security Council."

Adding: "The Prime Minister has resolved to establish a committee with the purpose of conducting an inquiry into the assault that occurred in Erbil."

 

Iraqi President, Iraqi First Lady: These Attacks are Violation of Iraqi Territory

Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid condemned the attacks on Erbil and said that the attacks on Erbil were a violation of Iraq's sovereignty.

President Rashid stated in a post on the X platform: "We strongly condemn the attack that targeted the city of Erbil, as it represents a breach of Iraqi sovereignty and undermines the security and stability of the country." 

"The issues can be resolved through collaborative and effective debates, rather than resorting to military assaults that jeopardize the stability of Iraq and the entire region, which is currently experiencing heightened tensions that need to be diminished," he stated.

On the other hand, the First Lady of Iraq, Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, denounces the attacks on Erbil and states: "Repeated airstrikes and violations of Iraqi airspace and territorial sovereignty are unacceptable; these aggressions must stop immediately."

"We are closely monitoring the complicated situation that unfolded last night as a result of the random bombings in the city of Erbil. These attacks have not only developed fear and anxiety but have also resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives," she added, "The continuation of these attacks, which initially began in the border areas and have now spread to the cities of the Kurdistan Region, severely disrupts life, peace, and stability."

Iraqi first lady also said: "Repeated airstrikes and violations of Iraqi airspace and sovereignty are inexcusable and there should be a limit on these transgressions, which blatantly violate international law and specifically target civilians, jeopardizing their lives."

Qubad Talabani: I call on all sides to unite and end these violations of Iraq’s sovereignty

Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, said on X Platform: "I condemn last night's attack on innocent civilians and populated areas of our beloved Erbil. I also express my deepest condolences to the family of my friend Peshraw Dizayee who was killed in last night's attack. I call on all sides, governments, and parties to unite and end these violations of Iraq’s sovereignty."

 

 

PUKMEDIA