Diplomatic missions take ‘enormous risk’ to operate in Iraq, PM Barzani says
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said on Tuesday that foreign diplomatic representatives take “enormous risk” to be in Iraq and urged federal authorities to make sure they are safe.
Barzani’s statement came the morning after a volley of rockets targeting the US Embassy fell in Iraq’s capital Baghdad. The attack on Monday caused no casualties and only minor material damage, according to security sources.
Read More: Rocket attack on US embassy in Baghdad
“Diplomatic missions take enormous risk to be in Iraq,” the premier tweeted on Tuesday, saying diplomats’ presence in the country is to “help confront terrorism and rebuild Iraq.”
Monday’s assault marked the third time in eight days that US, or Iraqi facilities where Americans are stationed, have been hit by rocket fire.
“I urge the federal [government] to take practical measures to ensure their safety,” Barzani added.
I condemn last night’s attack on the US Embassy in Baghdad.
— Masrour Barzani پابەندین# (@masrour_barzani) February 23, 2021
Diplomatic missions take enormous risk to be in Iraq. They are here to help confront terrorism and rebuild Iraq.
I urge the federal govt to take practical measures to ensure their safety.
The attacks must stop -mb.
On February 15, rockets were fired at Erbil International Airport, where the US-led Coalition against ISIS maintains a base.
A contractor from the Philippines was killed. Eight people at the base were injured, including a US soldier, and several civilians were wounded when rockets fell in a busy commercial area. One man, 31-year-old Nawaf Rashd, died from his injuries on Monday.
Read More: Several rockets land outside Erbil International Airport in late-night attack
The attacks in Erbil drew an international outcry, including from the UN, US, UK, and other European countries.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was "outraged" by the assault and confirmed he reached out to Barzani to pledge American support and support an investigation to “hold accountable those responsible.”
Editing by Joanne Stocker-Kelly