KRG urges federal action over Erbil drone strikes, accuses Baghdad of ‘avoiding’ responsibility

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government on Saturday called on Iraq’s federal authorities to take meaningful steps in response to recent drone strikes near Erbil, warning against what it described as Baghdad’s evasion of responsibility and failure to protect the region from repeated security violations.

In a statement issued by the KRG Ministry of Interior, officials criticized the federal government’s handling of past drone and missile attacks on the Kurdistan Region, citing a lack of transparency and accountability in the wake of multiple incidents.

“It is expected from the relevant parties in the federal government that when there is a threat to the Kurdistan Region or any other area of Iraq, they should take appropriate steps to uncover the truth, prevent the recurrence of such threats, and punish those responsible,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, we feel there is a form of cover-up and avoidance of responsibility regarding the ongoing security violations against the Kurdistan Region.”

The statement noted that joint investigative committees formed by Baghdad and Erbil have failed to produce tangible results. “Regrettably, investigations have not led to any public results, no one has been punished for these illegal actions, and no clear measures have been taken against any side,” it said.

The KRG reaffirmed its readiness for cooperation but stressed that political disputes must not interfere with the government’s duty to safeguard lives and sovereignty. “Whatever the political climate or party positions may be, protecting the country’s security and preventing harm to people’s lives and sovereignty is the duty of the official institutions of both the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.”

The statement followed a drone strike late Thursday near Erbil International Airport, which caused no casualties or damage. On Friday, the KRG denied reports that the target was an Israeli site and, for the first time, directly accused groups affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces of carrying out the attack. “These attacks are carried out by groups affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces under the pretext of creating chaos,” it said.

Hours later, Iraq’s federal government rejected the allegations. Sabah al-Numan, military spokesperson for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, condemned the KRG’s claims as “categorically rejected, condemned, and entirely unacceptable under any pretext, particularly as it was made in the absence of evidence.”

“We call for any such evidence, if it exists, to be submitted to the relevant federal authorities,” al-Numan said, adding that security cooperation should take place through official channels and not through the media. “These public accusations only serve to provide an opportunity for those seeking to discredit the Iraqi institutions that defend and protect the nation’s security.”

No group has claimed responsibility for the strikes.