Iraq Says Investigation Continues into Attack on Erbil

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraqi security authorities are continuing to investigate the source of an attack on the Kurdistan Region, with Security Media Cell chief Saad Maan telling Kurdistan24 that a final intelligence report is still awaited to determine where the attack originated.

Maan said the security of the Kurdistan Region is part of Iraq’s overall security and that any attack against any part of the country is strongly condemned and rejected.

Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Friday, Maan said Iraqi security agencies were continuing to gather information as part of their investigation.

He stressed, however, that it had not yet been officially confirmed that the attack on the Kurdistan Region early Friday was launched from within Nineveh province.

“We are waiting for the final intelligence report to know where the attack against the Kurdistan Region was launched from,” Maan said.

Maan also addressed the government’s decision to place weapons under state control, saying Sept. 30 is the final deadline for implementing the decision.

After that date, he said, no weapons outside the legal framework will be permitted.

He said the government remains determined to implement the weapons-control decision because Iraq’s future and the security of the region are linked to it. Discussions with various parties are continuing, he added, and the initiative has received a positive response.

Maan further said that, under the direction of the Iraqi prime minister, work is underway to establish an air defense system covering all areas of Iraq.

He said several contracts have been signed for that purpose.

The Security Media Cell chief also highlighted strong coordination between the Iraqi Army and the Peshmerga forces, saying representatives of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq are involved in all security decisions and information exchanges.

The investigation into the source of the attack remains ongoing as Iraqi authorities await the final intelligence report.