Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched ballistic missiles on Monday, targeting what they claimed was a spy base for Israel’s Mossad in northern Iraq and “anti-Iran terror groups” in Syria. The strikes have escalated tensions in the region and raised concerns about a broader conflict.
The Iranian forces stated that the missile strike in Iraq destroyed a key espionage headquarters in Erbil, the capital of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. They alleged that this facility was involved in planning terrorist acts in the region and Iran. Israel has not yet commented on Iran’s claim.
The Revolutionary Guards also claimed to target several locations in Erbil associated with “Iranian opposition groups.” However, Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein denied the presence of Mossad-affiliated centers in Erbil and condemned the strikes as a “violation of international law.”
The attack resulted in at least four civilians killed and six others injured, according to the Security Council of the Kurdistan region. The council accused Iran of using baseless pretexts to attack Erbil, a historically stable region.
In a separate missile strike, the Revolutionary Guards targeted bases of “anti-Iran terror groups” in Syria. They claimed that these groups were involved in recent dual bombings in the city of Kerman, Iran, during a memorial for Quds Force Commander Qasem Soleimani.
The United States criticized Iran’s missile attacks, describing them as “reckless” and “imprecise.” A US official confirmed that no US personnel or facilities were targeted, and the strikes did not damage the US Consulate in Erbil.
Kurdistan region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani condemned the attack and called on the international community to respond to repeated attacks against the people of Kurdistan.
The escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel raise fears of a wider regional conflict. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has already resulted in significant casualties and devastation. Iran’s allies and proxies in the region, known as the “axis of resistance,” have been launching attacks on Israeli forces and its allies.
The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with recent events including US strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, Houthi missile hitting a US-owned cargo ship, and intensified fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The international community closely monitors developments as concerns of an escalating war persist.
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