Global Outcry Erupts Over Iran's Missile Strike On Erbil

A view of a damaged building following missile attacks, in Erbil, Iraq, January 16, 2024.
A view of a damaged building following missile attacks, in Erbil, Iraq, January 16, 2024.

Multiple foreign diplomatic missions in Iraq have condemned Iran's assault on Erbil on Monday.

The US Ambassador to Iraq, Alina L. Romanowski, said the missile strikes on the Iraqi Kurdistan Region were “reckless and indiscriminate attacks on civilians" which violated Iraq's sovereignty.

The UK's Ambassador to Baghdad, Stephen Hitchen, also condemned the aggression against Erbil, denouncing it as a breach of Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Hitchen extended condolences to the victims' families and expressed support for the Kurdistan Regional Government.

His sentiments were echoed by UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron who issued a statement on X condemning the Iranian attacks as "unprovoked and unjustified actions," constituting a violation of Iraq's territorial integrity. Germany, France, and the Netherlands also condemned the assault.

Canada's Ambassador to Iraq, Kathy Bunka, and Japan's envoy to the country, Futoshi Matsumoto, joined in condemning the attack. Matsumoto stressed the importance of respecting Iraqi sovereignty and peace by all parties, while Bunka conveyed condolences to the victims' families and the injured.

The incident occurred late on Monday when Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched 10 ballistic missiles, purportedly targeting the "spy headquarters" of anti-Iran groups in Erbil. The attack resulted in a minimum of four fatalities and 17 injuries.

Iraq's foreign ministry also denounced the Iranian aggression against Erbil, taking diplomatic action by summoning the Iranian charge d'affaires in Baghdad, delivering a protest note condemning the attack. Additionally, Iraq recalled its ambassador to Tehran for consultations in response to the recent Iranian attacks on Erbil.

Nasser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry, asserted that the attacks aimed “at defending the country's sovereignty and security, combating terrorism.”