Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has acknowledged conducting missile strikes targeting areas near Erbil International Airport on Monday night, leading to the death and injury of ten individuals, as confirmed by Iraqi Kurdistan authorities. The US State Department, through spokesperson Matthew Miller, condemned the attacks, labelling them “reckless”. Miller expressed opposition to the Iranian missile strikes, supporting the efforts of the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.
The Revolutionary Guard stated that they had targeted sites associated with armed groups in both Iraq and Syria with ballistic missiles. The striking of spy headquarters and armed faction gatherings in Erbil (Hewler) was specified. Subsequently, Erbil Airport’s operations were temporarily suspended as a precaution against further attacks.
A statement from the Kurdistan Regional Security Council confirmed that the Revolutionary Guard’s ballistic missiles hit several civilian areas in Erbil, killing four civilians and injuring six. The official Iranian news agency, IRNA, reported the Guard’s claim of destroying “spy headquarters and terrorist group gatherings hostile to Iran in the region”.
Furthermore, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the Iranian missile attacks on Erbil, describing them as “hostile” acts. They announced the formation of an investigative committee to examine the incident and file a complaint with the United Nations Security Council. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered the formation of a national security advisory team to investigate the attacks and gather information to support Iraq’s international stance, ensuring transparency about the incident’s details.
Rudaw reported that half of the missiles landed on the house of Peshraw Dzayee, killing the prominent Erbil entrepreneur, and injuring his family members. The night of the attack coincided with a family gathering at Dzayee’s home to celebrate the return of his children from the US, leading to 17 additional injuries among family members, staff, and guards. Among the casualties were a British-Emirati businessman and a Filipino housekeeper.
