Kurdistan Region Minister of Peshmerga Affairs Shorsh Ismail speaks during an official address in Erbil.
Peshmerga minister condemns deadly drone strike, urges Baghdad and world to act
ERBIL — The Kurdistan Region’s minister of Peshmerga Affairs on Tuesday condemned a drone strike that killed two civilians in Erbil governorate, calling on Baghdad and the international community to take a clear position.
In a statement, Peshmerga Minister Shorsh Ismail said, “We strongly condemn the terrorist attack carried out tonight by an explosive drone targeting Zargazraw village on the outskirts of Erbil.”
He added, “Unfortunately, this brutal attack led to the martyrdom of a heroic Peshmerga, Musa Anwar Rasoul, and his wife.”
The minister said the strike amounted to a serious security threat. “Targeting civilians, violating all legal and humanitarian boundaries, and breaching the sovereignty of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq is a direct threat to the security of the region,” he said.
“We reaffirm that the lives of our citizens and the sovereignty of our land are a red line,” he added.
Ismail urged a response from Baghdad and foreign partners. “We call on the federal government and the international community to take a clear stance and not remain silent in the face of these crimes,” he said.
He also offered condolences, saying, “On behalf of the Ministry of Peshmerga and the Peshmerga forces, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and eternal glory to our proud martyrs.”
The strike occurred early Tuesday when, according to Kurdistan Region counterterrorism authorities, “an explosive drone that had been launched from Iran struck the house of a civilian in Zargazraw village in Darashakran subdistrict within Erbil governorate,” killing Musa Anwar Rasoul and Muzhda Asaad Hassan.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also condemned the attack, saying, “We strongly condemn the terrorist attack carried out late last night by a drone on the home of a citizen in Zargazraw village in Erbil governorate, which unfortunately resulted in the martyrdom of two spouses.”
He added, “These attacks are in no way acceptable and are completely rejected. The federal government of Iraq must fulfill its duties and responsibilities to prevent such crimes and terrorist attacks.”
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said, “Targeting civilians and the homes of citizens is a war crime.”
The strike comes amid a broader wave of drone and missile attacks across the Kurdistan Region in recent weeks. The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs said earlier that “repeated terrorist attacks have targeted Peshmerga bases in different areas of the Kurdistan Region,” adding that “these attacks are being carried out openly and in full view of Iraqi military and security forces.”
According to Community Peacemaker Teams – Iraqi Kurdistan, at least 474 attacks were recorded between Feb. 28 and March 27, resulting in 107 casualties, including 14 killed and 93 injured, along with damage to civilian homes and vehicles.