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| REUTERS/Azad Lashkari |
Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported that they attacked what they called Israel's "spy headquarters" in Iraq's Kurdistan region and also struck in Syria against the Islamic State. The strikes raised concerns about the conflict spreading in the Middle East, particularly since Iran's allies joined the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The Guards stated that the attack on the Mossad spy headquarters in Iraqi Kurdistan was in response to recent actions by Israel that resulted in the killing of Guards and Axis of Resistance commanders. There is no independent authenticity of this report. They blamed Iran's actions and announced plans to take legal measures against what they considered a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. Iran had vowed revenge for the killing of three Guardsmen in Syria and they repeat their commitment to continue offensive operations. The strikes also targeted areas in Syria including firing ballistic missiles. Reuters could not independently verify these claims.
US CONDEMNS ERBIL ATTACK AS ‘RECKLESS’
The U.S. State Department criticized the attacks in Erbil as "reckless." They confirmed that no U.S. facilities were targeted. White House National Security Council stated that they tracked missiles landing in northern Iraq and northern Syria without affecting U.S. personnel. She described the strikes while emphasizing the United States support for Iraq's sovereignty independence and territorial integrity.
Earlier this month the Islamic State claimed responsibility for two explosions in Iran's southeastern city resulting in nearly 100 deaths and also numerous injuries during a memorial for supreme commander Qassem Soleimani. Iran supporting Hamas in its conflict with Israel and charge United States of backing what it calls Israeli crimes in Gaza. The U.S. has esposed concern about civilian casualties but affirmed its support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas.
‘CRIME AGAINST KURDISH PEOPLE’
Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani blamed the attack on Erbil, calling a "crime against the Kurdish people." The Kurdish government's security council reported that at least four civilians were killed and six wounded in the attacks.
Among the casualties was Peshraw Dizayee, a wealthy Kurdish businessman, and several members of his family. Their home was hit by at least one rocket. Dizayee, associated with the ruling Barzani clan, owned businesses involved in significant real estate projects in Kurdistan.
The attacks also targeted the residence of a senior Kurdish intelligence official and a Kurdish intelligence center. As a result, air traffic at Erbil airport was suspended. Iran has previously conducted airstrikes in Iraq's northern Kurdistan, claiming it as a base for Iranian separatist groups and agents of Israel, their arch-enemy.
To address Iranian concerns, Baghdad has taken steps to relocate some members of separatist groups in the border region as part of a 2023 security deal with Tehran.
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