Iraq’s presidency condemns strikes on Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, calls for de-escalation

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s presidency condemned military strikes targeting areas across the country on Friday, warning the attacks risk destabilizing Iraq and the wider region and calling for an immediate halt to the escalation.

The presidency said it “condemns the military bombardment that targeted vital locations, civilian facilities and security headquarters in various areas of Iraq, particularly in the cities of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region,” adding that “these unjustified military actions could destabilize security and stability in Iraq and the region as a whole.”

It called on parties to pursue “dialogue and political and diplomatic solutions to address the crises,” and stressed the need to unify national ranks and strengthen cooperation between the federal government and the KRG “in a way that helps overcome the current challenges and safeguard the country’s security and stability.”

The presidency also praised Iraqi security forces for performing their “national duty with high responsibility in protecting the borders and preserving Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” and extended condolences to families of those killed.

The condemnation follows a series of drone incidents across the Kurdistan Region in recent days. A drone crashed near Saad Abdullah Hall in Erbil’s Golden Zone late Wednesday, prompting emergency crews to respond to a fire. Authorities have not confirmed whether it was intercepted or malfunctioned. The same night, another drone was brought down near Peshmerga Unit 70 positions in Sulaymaniyah. Earlier in the week, coalition forces intercepted three explosive drones over Erbil, with debris landing near the UAE Consulate.