KRG Ministry rejects Iranian ambassador’s claims linking Erbil strike to Israel

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Interior has strongly criticized recent statements by the Iranian ambassador, who linked the bombing of civilians in Erbil to “self-defence against Israel.” The ministry called the allegations entirely unfounded.

In a statement issued Sunday, the KRG Ministry of Interior addressed the comments made by Iran’s ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Al-Sadeq. “The Iranian ambassador made baseless accusations against the Kurdistan Region, once again attempting to justify the striking of civilians in Erbil as an act of self-defense against Israel,” the statement read.

“We categorically reject all false accusations, lies, and fabrications that have been directed at the Kurdistan Region,” the statement continued. “A high-level committee from the federal government visited the bombed areas and dismissed these claims.”

The dispute follows remarks made by Al-Sadeq during an interview with Al-Rasheed TV, where he claimed that Iran had bombed Erbil due to the presence of “Israeli Mossad headquarters” allegedly threatening Iran’s security.

On Jan. 16, 2024, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles targeting the home of Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizeyi in Erbil. The attack resulted in the deaths of Dizeyi, his 11-month-old daughter Jina, businessman Karam Mikhael, and Filipina housemaid Michelle Mendoza. Seventeen others were injured in the attack, including Dizeyi’s wife, two daughters, and two Filipino workers. The missiles caused Dizeyi’s home to collapse, resulting in significant destruction.

The missile attack caused extensive damage, with Dizeyi’s home collapsing after being hit by five ballistic missiles. Among the injured were Dizeyi’s wife, Hana Gotiar, their daughters, Rawan and Rozh, and the two Filipino workers, Aline and Mikey.

Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, refuted the Iranian claims on Jan. 16 after conducting a site inspection of the targeted area. “It became clear that the claims about targeting a Mossad headquarters are completely baseless,” al-Araji said.

On Jan. 27, Iraq’s foreign ministry filed a formal complaint with the United Nations Security Council through Abbas Kazem Obaid, the Interim Chargé d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the United Nations.