Twelve missiles from outside Iraq target Erbil: Kurdistan Counter Terrorism

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Twelve missiles attacked Erbil from outside the Kurdistan Region and Iraq in the early hours of Sunday, the Kurdish counter terrorism department said following the incident, adding that the missiles originated from the east of the country.

Several missiles struck different areas of Erbil in the early hours of Sunday, many of which hit areas close to the new US consulate building in the city, which is under construction.

The Kurdistan Region’s counter terrorism department confirmed that twelve missiles were targeted at the US consulate building in Erbil from outside the Region and Iraq, hitting different neighborhoods of the city. The department added that the missiles were launched from the east, and that no casualties have been caused by the attack. 

The US State Department told Rudaw that no casualties or damage to US government facilities had occurred as a result of the attack, condemning the "outrageous attack and display of violence".

Iraqi Security Media Cell said that Iraqi security forces have launched an investigation into the attack, adding that the perpetrators will be punished. 

Several buildings suffered from material damage due to the attack, among them the office of Kurdistan 24.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned the "terrorist attack" on Erbil, and called on people to follow the instructions of security services. 

Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw confirmed that two civilians suffered minor injuries as a result of the attack. 

Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr also took to Twitter, sending his “peace and love” to the Kurdish people and urging “forbearance until the achievement of a national majority government". 

This is the first attack on US missions in the Kurdistan Region this year. Previous attacks were blamed on Iranian-backed Iraqi militias who have demanded that United States forces withdraw from Iraq.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for this latest attack. 

Updated at 12:45 pm with the number of injured