Erbil calls on coalition, Iraq to take action following recent drone attack

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The governor of Erbil has called on the international coalition and the Iraqi federal government to take action following a recent drone attack on Erbil International Airport, saying airspace security is also their responsibility. 

"The coalition forces and Iraq's federal government are responsible; the attacks won't end by releasing a statement or condemning the act. They are responsible for Iraqi airspace," Omed Khoshnaw said in a press conference on Thursday.

He reaffirmed that the Kurdish forces are always working towards keeping the city safe.

An explosives-laden drone hit Erbil International Airport, which hosts US-led coalition troops, late on Tuesday, causing a fire at the site but no casualties or physical damage.
 
Khoshnaw described the attack as a terror act, adding that "such acts will not shake the city."

On Wednesday, a top Iraqi military spokesperson condemned recent “terrorist” attacks on Erbil and Anbar’s Ain al-Asad airbase, saying the Iraqi government will pursue prosecution for the perpetrators.

Erbil has been targeted in several rockets and drone attacks in recent months. Multiple drones hit an area northeast of Erbil late last month, close to the site of the new US consulate.
 
An explosives-laden drone hit the airport in mid-April.

Two people died after multiple rockets were fired at the city in February.