UAE condemns Iran’s missile strikes on Peshmerga as ‘unprovoked terrorist attacks’

ERBIL — The United Arab Emirates condemned Iran’s ballistic missile strikes on Peshmerga positions in the Kurdistan Region as “unprovoked terrorist attacks” that represent “a dangerous escalation and a violation of the principles of international law,” expressing full solidarity with Iraq and the KRG.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it supports “all measures aimed at safeguarding security, ensuring the safety of its citizens, and preserving stability,” and extended “sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs, as well as to the government and people of Iraq, and the Kurdistan Regional Government,” wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.

Six ballistic missiles struck Peshmerga positions near Soran in two separate attacks early Tuesday, killing six fighters and wounding about 30 others, with two still missing. The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs described the strikes as “a treacherous and inhumane act” and said the Kurdistan Region has the right to respond.

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani called the strike unjustifiable, saying such incidents have occurred “repeatedly” without regard for “the principles of neighborly relations and international law,” and stressed that the Kurdistan Region “has not been a party to the current war in the region and has never posed a threat to neighboring countries.” Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani called it “a direct hostile aggression against the sovereignty of the country,” while Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said the KRG “will take all measures to counter this hostility” and called on the federal government and international community to act.

More than 300 attacks have been carried out across the Kurdistan Region since the war began Feb. 28, according to Community Peacemaker Teams – Iraqi Kurdistan.