ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said on Monday that Erbil has been targeted with more than 70 missiles and drones as regional tensions continue to spill over into Iraq.
Speaking by phone with his Emirati counterpart, Hussein said Iraq has “become a victim” of Iran's war with the US and Israel, which began on Saturday when Tel Aviv and Washington carried out coordinated strikes on Tehran, killing Iran's long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iraq “is facing attacks from different parties involved in the conflict, further complicating the security situation. The city of Erbil has been targeted with more than 70 missiles and drones, while other parties have struck locations in southern and western Iraq,” Hussein told Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to a statement from his office.
“The foreign minister reiterated Iraq’s firm position calling for a ceasefire and the containment of escalation in order to protect civilians and safeguard the security and stability of the region,” the statement added.
Erbil came under a new wave of drone attacks on Monday, most of which were intercepted. Debris from the intercepted drones caused material damage in the city.
The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), an Iranian Kurdish opposition party, said on Monday that two of its bases in Erbil were targeted by Iran.
Iran has confirmed targeting the Kurdistan Region.