KRG condemns attack near UAE Consulate, calls on Baghdad to rein in armed groups

ERBIL — The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Department of Foreign Relations condemned Monday’s drone attack near the UAE Consulate in Erbil, calling it a violation of international law and urging Baghdad to take responsibility for preventing attacks by armed groups.

“It is necessary for the Iraqi government to assume responsibility for protecting Iraq’s sovereignty and to prevent those outlawed armed groups inside Iraq that continuously target the Kurdistan Region without justification,” the department said.

The statement stressed that the Kurdistan Region “is not part of this war and has always supported peace, stability and coexistence in the region.”

The UAE also condemned the attack Tuesday. Its Foreign Ministry called it a “blatant violation” of international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and urged Baghdad and Erbil to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.

Debris from one of three explosive-laden drones intercepted by coalition forces over Erbil late Monday fell near the consulate. A 964media correspondent also reported a separate drone crash near a residential development in the Mas City area along the Erbil–Salahaddin road, without causing damage or casualties.

The Kurdistan Region has faced at least 196 drone, missile and rocket attacks since the war began Feb. 28, killing four and injuring 19, according to Community Peacemaker Teams – Iraqi Kurdistan. Most have targeted Erbil governorate, hitting sites near diplomatic missions, military bases, the international airport, oil fields and residential areas.