In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have launched attacks in Iraq‘s Kurdistan region and Syria, targeting what they describe as Israeli espionage operations and Islamic State positions. These strikes, reported by state media on Monday, come amid growing concerns over the widening conflict in the Middle East, which has seen involvement from Iran’s allies across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7.
The Revolutionary Guards issued a statement saying, “In response to the recent atrocities of the Zionist regime, causing the killing of commanders of the Guards and the Axis of Resistance … one of the main Mossad espionage headquarters in Iraq’s Kurdistan region was destroyed with ballistic missiles.” This action follows Iran’s vow to avenge the deaths of three members of the Guards in Syria last month, including a high-ranking commander.
The conflict has intensified since Hamas’s incursion into Israeli territory on October 7 and subsequent Israeli bombing campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon. Over 130 fighters from Lebanon’s Hezbollah, backed by Iran, have been reported killed in the hostilities. The Guards’ statement further emphasized their commitment: “We assure our nation that the Guards’ offensive operations will continue until avenging the last drops of martyrs’ blood.”
In addition to the strikes in Kurdistan, near the US consulate in Erbil, the Guards also claimed to have targeted Islamic State operatives in Syria with ballistic missiles. These strikes are in response to Islamic State’s claimed responsibility for recent attacks in Iran, including two explosions in Kerman city that resulted in nearly 100 deaths.
US condemns ‘reckless’ Iran missile strikes in Iraq
The United States on Monday slammed Iran for its “reckless” deadly missile attacks on targets in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, warning they undermine stability. “The United States strongly condemns Iran’s attacks in Erbil today and offers condolences to the families of those who were killed. We oppose Iran’s reckless missile strikes, which undermine Iraq’s stability,” US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned the attack on Erbil, labeling it a “crime against the Kurdish people.” The Kurdistan government’s security council reported that the strikes resulted in four civilian deaths and six injuries. Among the casualties was Peshraw Dizayee, a wealthy Kurdish businessman with close ties to the ruling Barzani clan, and several members of his family.
The strikes have caused significant disruptions, including the temporary halt of air traffic at Erbil airport. Iran has previously conducted operations in Iraq’s northern Kurdistan region, citing it as a base for Iranian separatist groups and Israeli agents.
These developments mark a concerning phase in the regional conflict, highlighting the complex web of alliances and hostilities that continue to shape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.
(With inputs from agencies)
The Revolutionary Guards issued a statement saying, “In response to the recent atrocities of the Zionist regime, causing the killing of commanders of the Guards and the Axis of Resistance … one of the main Mossad espionage headquarters in Iraq’s Kurdistan region was destroyed with ballistic missiles.” This action follows Iran’s vow to avenge the deaths of three members of the Guards in Syria last month, including a high-ranking commander.
The conflict has intensified since Hamas’s incursion into Israeli territory on October 7 and subsequent Israeli bombing campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon. Over 130 fighters from Lebanon’s Hezbollah, backed by Iran, have been reported killed in the hostilities. The Guards’ statement further emphasized their commitment: “We assure our nation that the Guards’ offensive operations will continue until avenging the last drops of martyrs’ blood.”
In addition to the strikes in Kurdistan, near the US consulate in Erbil, the Guards also claimed to have targeted Islamic State operatives in Syria with ballistic missiles. These strikes are in response to Islamic State’s claimed responsibility for recent attacks in Iran, including two explosions in Kerman city that resulted in nearly 100 deaths.
US condemns ‘reckless’ Iran missile strikes in Iraq
The United States on Monday slammed Iran for its “reckless” deadly missile attacks on targets in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, warning they undermine stability. “The United States strongly condemns Iran’s attacks in Erbil today and offers condolences to the families of those who were killed. We oppose Iran’s reckless missile strikes, which undermine Iraq’s stability,” US state department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.
Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned the attack on Erbil, labeling it a “crime against the Kurdish people.” The Kurdistan government’s security council reported that the strikes resulted in four civilian deaths and six injuries. Among the casualties was Peshraw Dizayee, a wealthy Kurdish businessman with close ties to the ruling Barzani clan, and several members of his family.
The strikes have caused significant disruptions, including the temporary halt of air traffic at Erbil airport. Iran has previously conducted operations in Iraq’s northern Kurdistan region, citing it as a base for Iranian separatist groups and Israeli agents.
These developments mark a concerning phase in the regional conflict, highlighting the complex web of alliances and hostilities that continue to shape the Middle East’s geopolitical landscape.
(With inputs from agencies)
