Iraqi presidency denounces ‘unjustified’ attacks in Iraq, Kurdistan

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Iraqi presidency on Friday condemned as “unjustified” the attacks carried out by armed groups in Iraq against alleged US assets in the country, particularly in the Kurdistan Region, urging an end to the escalation and warning that it undermines the security of Iraq as a whole and the wider region.

In a statement, the presidency censured “the military strikes that targeted vital locations, civilian facilities, and security headquarters in various areas of Iraq,” including the Kurdistan Region’s cities of Erbil and Sulaimani, noting that “such unjustified military actions undermine security and stability in Iraq and the entire region.”

Accordingly, the presidency called for “an end to the escalation,” urging “dialogue as well as political and diplomatic solutions to address the crises.”

The attacks come amid the wider regional conflict which began in late February when the US and Israel launched a joint operation against Iran - now in its fourteenth day - targeting security and military installations, as well as government institutions.

Tehran has responded on multiple fronts, stating last Friday that it launched more than 2,000 drones and over 600 missiles targeting US and Israeli positions in the region.

The Iranian response also included attacks by Iraqi armed groups aligned with the Iran-led ‘Axis of Resistance,’ including shadowy militias that claim they are retaliation against alleged US assets in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

According to Rudaw tracking, the Region has endured some 280 drone and missile attacks since the start of the Iran war through Friday.

The Iraqi presidency on Friday underlined that “in these delicate circumstances, there is a pressing need to unify the national front, strengthen political cohesion, and reinforce cooperation and coordination between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government [KRG]” in order to “overcome current challenges and preserve the country’s security and stability.”