Barzani Urges Iraqi Government to Curb Outlawed Groups After Drone Attack in Erbil

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - President Masoud Barzani called on the Iraqi federal government and political authorities to impose limits on outlawed groups following a drone attack on Erbil International Airport that killed Martyr Welat Tahir, officials said.

Barzani and Masrour Barzani, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), attended the funeral for Welat Tahir on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The drone strike, which occurred the previous night, targeted the airport in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

In a statement to the media, President Barzani highlighted the broader security challenges affecting the region. He said the Kurdistan Region has sought to remain insulated from ongoing conflicts and hardships in the area, noting, “From the beginning, we have tried to keep Kurdistan away from this war and hardship.”

The president expressed concern over provocations by outlawed groups, describing them as agents of conflict within the region. He stated, “Unfortunately, we see that some outlawed groups are provoking us [literally: selling us war].” Barzani emphasized the need for federal authorities in Baghdad, including the government, parliament, and political forces, to take concrete measures to constrain the activities of these criminal groups.

At the conclusion of his message, President Barzani offered reassurance to the citizens of Kurdistan, vowing accountability for those responsible for the attack. “We assure the people of Kurdistan that the blood of Martyr Welat and other martyrs will not go to waste,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to protecting the region’s security and stability.

The attack on Erbil International Airport marks a continuation of escalating threats against the Kurdistan Region, as security officials continue to assess risks to civilian and strategic sites. The KRG leadership has repeatedly highlighted the importance of coordinated security efforts and federal cooperation to mitigate such incidents.

President Barzani’s statement underscores the Kurdistan Region’s position on maintaining regional stability while confronting armed groups operating outside legal authority. The call for intervention by the federal government and parliament aims to ensure that violent actions targeting civilians and infrastructure do not continue unchecked.

Kurdistan’s authorities maintain that investigations into the drone strike and related security threats are ongoing, with coordination between local and federal agencies expected to enforce accountability and prevent further attacks.

The statement concluded with an affirmation that the KRG will continue to safeguard its citizens and strategic sites, reiterating that the perpetrators of the Erbil drone attack will face consequences.

This article was updated on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 4:00pm.