KRG’s Qubad Talabani Warns of 'Dangerous Escalation' After Attack on Nechirvan Barzani’s Residence
Peregraf — Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government, warned on Saturday that the targeting of Nechirvan Barzani’s residence in Duhok represents a "dangerous escalation," sharply criticizing armed groups operating outside state control.
"The targeting of Nechirvan Barzani’s home in Duhok is a dangerous escalation, and we strongly condemn it," Talabani said, adding that outlawed armed groups have become a growing threat to the stability of both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole.
He urged the federal government to act decisively, warning that failure to hold those responsible accountable would embolden further attacks. "If these perpetrators are not immediately stopped and held accountable, they will pose an even more dangerous threat in the future to the lives and property of officials and formal institutions across Iraq," he said.
Talabani’s remarks came a day after an apparent attack targeted Barzani’s residence, with initial reports pointing to a drone incident, though authorities have yet to release detailed findings or confirm the extent of damage.
Footage shows a drone attack targeting the residence of Nechirvan Barzani in Duhok, with security guards shooting the drone. Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani condemns the incident and orders a joint federal-KRG investigation. pic.twitter.com/HEYDPpcSNZ
In the immediate aftermath, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani condemned the targeting during a phone call with Barzani and ordered the formation of a joint investigative team composed of federal and Kurdistan Regional Government security agencies to determine the circumstances and identify those responsible.
So far, the Kurdistan Region Presidency has not issued an official statement clarifying the details of the incident, leaving open questions about whether it was an isolated attack or part of a broader pattern of escalating security threats.
According to data compiled by the Peregraf Media Foundation, more than 500 drones and missiles have targeted various locations across the Kurdistan Region since the outbreak of the US-Israel War on Iran on February 28, 2026. These strikes have been attributed to either the Iranian military or the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a network of armed groups operating within Iraqi territory.
At least 13 individuals have been killed — including Peshmerga personnel, security officers, and foreign military staff — while approximately 50 others have been wounded. The strikes have also caused material damage to civilian residences and infrastructure.
On March 24, six Peshmerga fighters were killed and 30 others wounded when Iranian ballistic missiles struck Peshmerga positions in two waves, hitting the headquarters of the 7th Infantry Division under Command Area One and a unit from the 5th Infantry Division in the Soran district of Erbil Province.