ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned as “reckless and unacceptable” the Iranian drone attacks on his personal office in Erbil province early Monday, calling the strikes a “direct threat” to the Region’s security. 

Kurdish counterterrorism forces on Monday said that two Iranian explosive-laden drones targeted Prime Minister Barzani’s office and the residence of the Region’s security chief in Erbil province. The attacks caused no casualties. 

“I condemn these reckless and unacceptable attacks in the strongest terms. This is a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region,” Barzani said in a statement. 

“These attacks will not deter us from carrying out our duties and protecting our citizens,” the premier stressed. 

The attacks mark a dangerous escalation and come amid constant strikes targeting Kurdistan – both from Iran and Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq – since the onset of the regional war. 

The Kurdistan Region’s leaders have repeatedly stressed neutrality, asserting that Erbil is not party to the regional war.

While Iran and Iran-backed armed groups claim the attacks target US interests in the Kurdistan Region, vital infrastructure has also been struck, including oil and gas facilities and residences of the Region’s leaders.