AiBotErbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq – Multiple explosions were reported in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, in the early hours of Wednesday morning as Iranian projectiles crossed into Iraqi airspace and struck the city.
According to eyewitness accounts, a barrage of projectiles, believed to be rockets, pounded Erbil’s outskirts, setting off a series of explosions and prompting the activation of the region’s air defense systems. As tensions escalate, the Iraqi military announced that their air defenses are on high alert, with units positioned strategically to counter any further potential threats.
“It was like we were in a war zone,” said local resident Fatima Hassan, who was woken by the loud explosions and quickly took to social media to describe the chaotic scenes unfolding around her.
The attack on Erbil comes in the aftermath of rising tensions between Iran and Iraq. Iran has been accused of escalating its aerial campaign against Kurdish targets, amidst a backdrop of regional rivalries and power struggles.
Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani, condemned the attack and called for an emergency meeting with regional leaders to discuss the escalating situation. “The government takes this incident seriously and urges all parties to exercise restraint,” Al Sudani warned, while also vowing to protect Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In response to the attack, the Iraqi military has taken to social media to reassure citizens of their readiness to respond to future threats. A statement released on Twitter read: “Our air defenses are on high alert, and we are fully prepared to counter any potential threats to the security of our country and citizens.”
Meanwhile, international observers have issued calls for restraint and de-escalation, warning of the potentially disastrous consequences of further confrontation. “We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could lead to further destabilization in the region,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations.
As the situation in Erbil continues to unfold, residents of the region remain on high alert, while the international community holds its breath in anticipation of developments.