A deadly missile strike in Erbil, Iraq, resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left five others injured. The attack, which has been reported by Al Arabiya and Kurdistan 24, remains shrouded in uncertainty regarding the perpetrators or the motive. This incident, occurring in a city that has otherwise maintained relative stability compared to other regions of Iraq, highlights ongoing challenges faced by the country in ensuring citizen safety and maintaining peace.
An Unexpected Strike in Erbil
On an ordinary day in Erbil, a missile struck, causing an explosion near the U.S. consulate and a U.S. military facility. This attack struck fear into the hearts of the Iraqi people, reminding them of the volatile security situation in their country. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the ballistic missiles were launched in response to terrorist crimes. However, their statement did little to quell the panic and uncertainty that ensued.
Among the casualties was Peshraw Dizayee, a multimillionaire businessman and his family. The strike resulted in four deaths and six injuries, triggering an outpour of grief and anger from the citizens of Erbil. The Iraqi government condemned Iran’s ‘aggression’, stating it would consider filing a complaint at the United Nations Security Council.
U.S. Response and Condemnation
The U.S. State Department denounced the attacks and expressed support for Iraq’s stability. The U.S. officials clarified that the attacks did not affect any of their facilities, and there were no U.S. casualties. However, they conveyed their strong support for the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
The U.S. State Department condemned the attacks near Erbil, calling them reckless. The attacks raised concerns about a wider regional escalation due to Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Iran’s Claim and the Aftermath
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the missile attack on Erbil, targeting ‘spy headquarters’ of anti-Iran groups. This attack resulted in the death of at least four civilians and left 17 injured, causing substantial material damage to residences near Pirmam road.
The IRGC maintained that they had targeted ‘three Mossad bases’ in Erbil, despite the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) denying the presence of Israeli intelligence in the region. Following the attack, Erbil International Airport suspended all inbound and outbound flights, adding to the growing tension and fear in the region.
In the aftermath of the missile attack, the city of Erbil is left to mourn its losses, heal its wounds, and piece together the fragments of a shattered sense of security.
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