Kurdistan
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (right) and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi (left) meeting in Duhok on November 19, 2025. Photo: KRG
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi, in a phone call on Monday, stressed “protection” of security and stability in the Region as Erbil continues to face attacks amid escalating regional conflict.
“The general situation of the Kurdistan Region and the developments and tensions in the region were discussed, and emphasis was placed on protecting the security, peace, and stability of the Kurdistan Region and the region in general,” according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The call came after the United States and Israel launched a campaign against Iran early Saturday, targeting dozens of senior military and security figures in Tehran, leading to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has vowed retaliation and has since launched strikes affecting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, saying the attacks were limited to US military sites.
Following the US and Israeli strikes, Erbil, which hosts the US consulate, was hit by multiple drone and rocket attacks, with air defense systems actively intercepting incoming projectiles over the city.
The pro-Iran Iraqi armed group Saraya Awliya al-Dam has claimed responsibility for attacks against US positions in Erbil.
The group said late Sunday it targeted a US base in Erbil with drones and rockets.
Additional videos sent to Rudaw showed debris from a downed drone falling on Erbil’s 120-Meter Road late Sunday, leaving a visible crater after an explosion. Witnesses said a fire broke out near the busy roadway at the time the drone was intercepted.
Footage obtained by Rudaw showed several projectiles being intercepted over the city. Attacks continued Monday morning.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told his Iraqi counterpart on Saturday that Tehran’s response to US and Israeli strikes would target US military bases in the region and would be “limited to military sites,” according to the Iraqi foreign ministry.
“The general situation of the Kurdistan Region and the developments and tensions in the region were discussed, and emphasis was placed on protecting the security, peace, and stability of the Kurdistan Region and the region in general,” according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The call came after the United States and Israel launched a campaign against Iran early Saturday, targeting dozens of senior military and security figures in Tehran, leading to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has vowed retaliation and has since launched strikes affecting Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, saying the attacks were limited to US military sites.
Following the US and Israeli strikes, Erbil, which hosts the US consulate, was hit by multiple drone and rocket attacks, with air defense systems actively intercepting incoming projectiles over the city.
The pro-Iran Iraqi armed group Saraya Awliya al-Dam has claimed responsibility for attacks against US positions in Erbil.
The group said late Sunday it targeted a US base in Erbil with drones and rockets.
Additional videos sent to Rudaw showed debris from a downed drone falling on Erbil’s 120-Meter Road late Sunday, leaving a visible crater after an explosion. Witnesses said a fire broke out near the busy roadway at the time the drone was intercepted.
Footage obtained by Rudaw showed several projectiles being intercepted over the city. Attacks continued Monday morning.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told his Iraqi counterpart on Saturday that Tehran’s response to US and Israeli strikes would target US military bases in the region and would be “limited to military sites,” according to the Iraqi foreign ministry.
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