KDP Leader Barzani Issues Warning to Iraqi Armed Factions After Deadly Drone Strikes on Kurdistan
Peregraf — Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), warned armed factions in Iraq that Kurdish restraint "has its limits," following a wave of drone attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region that killed one security officer and wounded several others.
In a strongly worded statement, Barzani accused groups operating under the banner of the "Resistance" of carrying out attacks on civilian areas, economic infrastructure, and Peshmerga positions, describing the strikes as a direct provocation against the region's stability.
"Everyone must understand well that self-restraint has its limits," Barzani said. "The Peshmerga have never accepted injustice or oppression from any side."
His warning came as tensions escalated following repeated drone and missile strikes across the autonomous Kurdish region over the previous week.
Barzani said the Kurdish people had historically sought peace rather than conflict.
"Throughout history, the people of Kurdistan have never sought war; they have always desired peace and coexistence," he said. "If war has been imposed upon them, they have simply defended themselves and their rights."
He condemned the recent attacks by armed groups operating under the label of "Resistance," accusing them of using "baseless pretexts and slogans" to justify strikes on Kurdish territory.
"These attacks on civilian areas, the economic infrastructure of the Kurdistan Region, and Peshmerga bases are a clear act of provocation and open aggression against the rights of citizens and the stability and security of the Kurdistan Region," Barzani said.
He called on the Iraqi government and political leaders to intervene.
"We call upon the Iraqi Government, the Council of Representatives, and political parties — especially the Coordination Framework — to take serious action and put an end to these aggressions," he said, warning that continued escalation "will lead to dire consequences."
Drone Attacks Kill Security Officer
The statement followed a night of drone attacks on Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.
According to Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil, ten drones were launched toward the city late Saturday. Kurdish defense systems intercepted the aircraft.
"Tonight alone, ten drone attacks were launched against Erbil. The defense systems were active, and all attacks were intercepted," Khoshnaw said.
However, one drone that had been shot down fell near Erbil International Airport, causing casualties among security personnel in the area.
Local authorities said an officer from the Asayish internal security forces, identified as Wlat Tahir, was killed. Three other security personnel were wounded, one of them critically.
The Asayish is responsible for intelligence operations, counterterrorism activities, and the protection of key facilities across the Kurdistan Region.
Escalating Wave of Attacks
The latest strike was part of a broader escalation across the Kurdistan Region.
Security sources said more than 100 drones and missiles had targeted various locations across the region over the previous week.
The attacks are widely attributed to either Iran or armed factions aligned with the so-called "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," a network of Iran-backed groups operating inside the country.
Many of the strikes targeted areas near energy infrastructure and security installations, raising concerns about the vulnerability of critical economic facilities in the region.
Several members of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in the Kurdistan Region were also killed or wounded in attacks attributed to Iranian forces or allied militias in recent days.
Barzani Calls for Protection of Kurdistan's Stability
Barzani expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks and said Kurdish authorities would continue working to shield the region from further violence.
"We assure the beloved people of Kurdistan that we will continue with all our strength to keep Kurdistan away from war and hardship and to ensure that peace, security, and the lives of the people are protected," he said.