Peshmerga ministry: Iran fired six ballistic missiles at Peshmerga positions

ERBIL — Iran fired six ballistic missiles at Peshmerga positions near Soran early Tuesday in two separate strikes, killing six fighters and wounding about 30 others, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs said, warning it has the right to respond.

“Early this morning, in two separate attacks, a base of Infantry Division 7 of Command Area 1 and a force of Infantry Division 5 of the Peshmerga forces on the Soran border were subjected to a hostile act,” the ministry said, describing the strikes as “a treacherous and inhumane act, far from all principles of humanity and neighborliness.”

“We did not expect such a dishonorable response to the peaceful stance of the Kurdistan Region,” the ministry said, adding that “the lifespan of treachery and oppression is short, and the will of peace will prevail.” It called on the federal government, the international community and allies “not to remain silent in the face of these violations and to set a limit to these reckless aggressions.”

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned the attack as “hostile and traitorous” and said the KRG “will take all measures to counter this hostility.” He called on the federal government and the international community “to put an end to these attacks on the Kurdistan Region,” and offered condolences to the families of those killed.

Local officials told 964media the strikes hit a base in the Sepilk area near Khalifan district. The first strike at 1:50 a.m. involved five missiles with no casualties. A second strike at 2:50 a.m. targeted the base “in a specific manner on the border of Kalakin village” with one missile, causing all the casualties. Two fighters remain missing. The wounded were transferred to hospitals in Soran and Khalifan, with some later moved to Erbil.

The attack is among the deadliest single strikes on Peshmerga forces since the regional war began Feb. 28. It follows a drone strike Sunday on a Peshmerga position in Chamchamal and earlier drone attacks in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah that wounded three fighters. Iran’s IRGC and allied militias have carried out more than 300 attacks on the Kurdistan Region since the war began, killing eight people and wounding 51 before Tuesday’s casualties, according to Community Peacemaker Teams – Iraqi Kurdistan.

This article has been updated