ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi spoke to the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Masoud Barzani following Sunday night’s rocket attack in Erbil province, with the premier ensuring that justice will be served.
The leaders "discussed the security situation” and the recent rocket fire that targeted a key oil refinery in Erbil’s province’s Khabat district according to a statement from the PM's office published early Monday.
A statement from Barzani's Headquarters stressed that the PM told the Kurdish leader that "the Iraqi security forces will hold the perpetrators of the crime accountable," and that committing such crimes boosts the will of the Iraqi government to enforce the law and "break terrorism."
The phone call came hours after at least six rockets targeted the Kawergosk oil refinery, causing fire in one of its main tanks which was later briught under control.
The British Ambassador to Iraq, Mark Bryson-Richardson, on Monday condemned the attack saying “such violence is unacceptable and serves no one’s interest.”
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) described the attack as an "alarming development" while urging leaders to work "as one" to counter such offenses.
The rockets originated from Nineveh province and were fired from the proximity of the al-Hamdaniya district where Iran-linked militias are rooted.
The Kurdistan Region's Security Council warned against the perpetrators, saying they will be held accountable.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Kawergosk oil refinery is one of the largest refineries in the Kurdistan Region, and it is operated by the Iraq-Kurdish oil company KAR group.
The CEO and founder of KAR group is Baz Karim Barzinji, the Kurdish businessman who had his residence struck by at least four missiles during the Iranian missile strikes on Erbil in March.
Updated at 11:40 am
