Security

British Ambassador condemns Khor Mor attack as politically motivated violence

In a statement, he declared, "We strongly condemn the attack on the Khor Mor gas field, which represents a reprehensible endeavor to achieve political and economic objectives through the use of violence."

Kurdistan 24 2024/04/27 11:03

The British Embassy in Baghdad plaque. (Photo: British Embassy)

Kurdistan British Embassy Stephen Charles Hitchen Khor Mor gas field Drone attack

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The British ambassador to Iraq, Stephen Hitchen, has vehemently denounced the assault on the Khor Mor gas field, characterizing it as a deplorable attempt to leverage violence for political ends.

Ambassador Hitchen took to social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), to express his condemnation of the attack on the Khor Mor gas field situated in the Chamchamal district.

Furthermore, Ambassador Hitchen emphasized the necessity of holding the perpetrators of the attack accountable, asserting that they must be "prosecuted" and duly punished.

His remarks underscore the British government's stance against acts of violence and its commitment to upholding justice and stability in the region.

In a surveillance footage from the Khor Mor gas field, the video recording captured the moment of the drone attack, shedding light on the harrowing events that unfolded.

The footage, dated April 26, 2024, reveals a bombed drone targeting the Khor Mor gas field at 18:43 local time. The strike precisely hit the area where a group of Dana Gas Company workers were stationed, resulting in chaotic scenes as workers fled their positions amidst the explosions.

The drone used in the attack, identified as the Iranian-made Shahed 101 (kamikaze) drone, has previously been employed by militia groups in Iraq and Syria.

Tragically, the attack claimed the lives of four Yemeni workers, with two others sustaining injuries. The casualties occurred at the Khor Mor gas field, located in the Qadir Karam sub-district of Chamchamal district within Sulaimani province.

Operated by the UAE's Dana Gas Company, the Khor Mor gas field serves as a vital source, providing 67% of the Kurdistan Region's electricity supply.

In response to the attack, both the US State Department and the United Nations Special Envoy (UNAMI) have denounced the violence and urged a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday in a post on X condemned the Khor Mor gas field attack and sent his condolences to the four civilians killed.

“I strongly condemn tonight’s terror attack on Khor Mor. My thoughts and condolences are with the four civilians killed, and I wish the wounded a swift recovery. I have instructed the Ministry of Health to provide all necessary support,” Prime Minister Barzani said.

The international community's condemnation underscores the gravity of the incident and the imperative of holding accountable those responsible for such brazen acts of aggression.