UAE ‘strongly condemns’ drone attack targeting its consulate general in Erbil

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The UAE on Saturday condemned a drone attack targeting its consulate general in Erbil, saying that attacks on diplomatic missions are “a flagrant violation" of international law and “a dangerous escalation.”

It is the second attack on the UAE consulate since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war more than two weeks ago.

“The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned and denounced the unprovoked terrorist drone attack that targeted the UAE Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for the second time in a week,” the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"Such acts represent a dangerous escalation and a threat to regional security and stability," the statement added.

The ministry added that the attack caused “injuries to two security personnel and damage to the consulate building.”

“Targeting diplomatic missions and premises constitutes a flagrant violation of international norms and laws,” the statement said.

The UAE also called on authorities in Baghdad and Erbil to “investigate the circumstances surrounding this attack, identify those responsible, and take all necessary measures to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.”

The Kurdistan Region was targeted by more than half a dozen explosive-laden drones on Saturday as Iran and its proxy forces in Iraq continued attacks on the US consulate in Erbil and other military and civilian sites across the Region.

Since the start of the US-Israel war against Iran on February 28, the Kurdistan Region has been struck by more than 300 drones and missiles, according to Rudaw monitoring. Seven people have been killed and 35 others injured.

Those killed include a security employee at Erbil International Airport, five Peshmerga fighters affiliated with Iranian Kurdish opposition parties-three in Erbil and two in Sulaimani province-and a French soldier killed in Erbil on Thursday.