KRG Prime Minister Condemns Attacks on U.S. Consulate in Erbil, Calls for Federal Action

Peregraf — Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday strongly condemned a series of attacks by what he described as "terrorist" armed groups targeting the U.S. Consulate General and civilian areas in Erbil, warning that the escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. 

"I strongly condemn the heinous attacks by terrorist militias targeting the U.S. Consulate General and civilian areas in Erbil," Barzani said in a statement. "These deliberate acts of aggression pose a grave threat to the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region. This is unacceptable."

Barzani called on Iraq's federal government to take what he described as "immediate, decisive, and tangible actions" against armed groups operating outside state control. He said Baghdad bears responsibility for preventing further attacks and ensuring accountability.

"I once again call unequivocally upon the federal government in Baghdad to take immediate, decisive, and tangible actions against these outlaw armed groups and militias," he said. "It is incumbent upon the federal government to use all means to thwart these terrorist attacks and bring those responsible to justice."

His remarks come as the U.S.–Israel war on Iran entered its 35th day, a conflict that has intensified tensions across the Middle East and spilled into Iraq. Iran-aligned armed groups have continued to launch drone and rocket attacks, some of which have struck areas within the Kurdistan Region. 

KRG officials have repeatedly warned that continued activity by armed groups risks dragging Iraq deeper into regional conflict. They have urged Baghdad to assert full authority over armed factions, arguing that failure to do so could further destabilize the country.

Data compiled by the Peregraf Media Foundation indicates that more than 500 drones and missiles have targeted locations across the Kurdistan Region since the outbreak of hostilities. The attacks have been attributed either to Iranian forces or to armed groups operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq.

According to Peregraf's records, at least 13 people — including Peshmerga personnel and security officers — have been killed in these attacks, while approximately 50 others have been wounded. 

One of the deadliest incidents occurred on March 24, when six Peshmerga fighters were reportedly killed in Iranian ballistic missile strikes in Erbil Province, underscoring the growing risks posed by the continued escalation. 

The latest attacks have heightened concerns among KRG officials that the region is increasingly becoming a frontline in a broader regional confrontation, even as local authorities stress the need to shield civilian populations from the fallout.