KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani Strongly Condemns Iranian Missile Attack on Peshmerga Forces

Peregraf — Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), strongly condemned the targeting of Peshmerga forces by Iranian missiles, which killed six fighters and wounded dozens in the Soran region of Erbil early Tuesday.

In an official statement, Talabani described the attack as a violation of the sovereignty of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, stating that it contradicts the principles of good neighborliness. 

“Despite the fact that since the beginning of this war against Iran we have clearly expressed to all parties that the Kurdistan Region and the Peshmerga forces are not part of this conflict, the Region has unfortunately been targeted dozens of times,” he said. “In the latest incident in Soran, six Peshmerga were martyred and a number of others were wounded.”

He extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.

The attack drew responses from top Kurdish leadership. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, described the strike as an act of aggression against the country’s sovereignty, emphasizing that the Region has pursued a policy of non-interference. 

“This attack bears no justification and contradicts the principles of good neighborliness,” Barzani said.

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also addressed the strike, calling it treacherous and stating that authorities would take measures to address continued aggression. He urged both Baghdad and the international community to act to prevent further attacks on the Kurdistan Region.

According to the KRG Ministry of Peshmerga, the assault involved two separate strikes targeting a headquarters of the 1st Sector’s 7th Infantry Division and a unit from the 5th Infantry Division in the Soran district. The ministry stated the sites were struck by six Iranian ballistic missiles, describing it as a hostile act violating humanitarian norms.

The ministry affirmed that it reserves the right to respond to such attacks and called on the Iraqi federal government, international partners, and allied forces to take a firm stance to prevent further escalation.

Officials reported that the attack killed six Peshmerga fighters and injured approximately 30 others. The strike occurs on the 25th day of the war against Iran, which began at 8:15 a.m. EBL on February 28, 2024.