Iran launches missile strikes in Iraq and Syria citing security threats

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched ballistic missiles at what it claimed were Israeli “spy headquarters” in Iraq’s Kurdish region and hit targets allegedly linked to ISIL (ISIS) in northern Syria, saying it was defending its security and countering terrorism.

At least eight explosions were heard in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, early on Tuesday. Four people were killed and six were wounded, according to the regional security council.

“Ballistic missiles were used to destroy espionage centres and gatherings of anti-Iranian terrorist groups in the region,” the IRGC said, according to state media.

The Iraqi government condemned what it called Iran’s “aggression” on Erbil that led to civilian casualties in residential areas, calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty and the security of its people, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government said it would consider various actions, including filing a complaint at the United Nations Security Council.

The IRGC claimed that it had targeted the headquarters of Israeli spy agency Mossad in Erbil, Iran’s IRNA news agency reported.

“We assure our nation that the Guards’ offensive operations will continue until avenging the last drops of martyrs’ blood,” it added.

Masrour Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdish region, condemned the attack on Erbil as a “crime against the Kurdish people”.

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said Tehran respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, but was using its “legitimate and legal right to deter national security threats”.

Iraq recalled its ambassador from Tehran to discuss the attacks, which were condemned by the United States.

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw called the assault “a terrorist attack, an inhumane act” and said “Erbil will not be scared or shaken”, according to Iraqi news outlet Rudaw.

Multimillionaire Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayee and several members of his family were among the civilian casualties, killed when at least one rocket crashed into their home.

Dizayee, who was close to the ruling Barzani clan, owned businesses behind major real estate projects in the Kurdish region.