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Kurdistan
From left, Kurdistan Region Vice President Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa and the location of the drone attack at the Erbil International airport. Photo: Kurdistan presidency/Submitted to Rudaw
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — It is the priority of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to provide safety to the global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) personnel in the Region, said Kurdistan Region Vice President Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa on Wednesday, following a drone attack on coalition forces in Erbil.
“I strongly condemn last night's cowardly attack on [the] US base at Erbil International Airport, our national security have made [an] instant investigation to ensure perpetrators will be dealt with. The safety of coalition forces in KRI is our priority,” said the Kurdish top official in a tweet.
An explosives-laden drone hit Erbil International Airport late Tuesday, causing a fire at the site. However, coalition and Kurdish officials said the attack did not cause any casualties or physical damage.
“Initial report: At approx. 11:15 PM local time, one UAS impacted in vicinity of Erbil Air Base, Iraq. At this time initial reports indicate no injuries, casualties or damage. We will update when we have further information,” tweeted Col. Wayne Marotto, spokesperson for the coalition, hours after the attack.
Telegram channels affiliated with Iran-backed elements of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi) claim that 20 rockets and three drones were used in the attack.
A similar attack took place at the airport in April. Two people were killed and 13 others were injured when multiple rockets hit Erbil in February, including areas near the airport.
Pro-Iran militia groups have been accused of carrying out such attacks on Erbil and elsewhere in Iraq. However, Iran has "strongly" denied any involvement in the attacks.
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