The Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) sharply condemned the recent attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and called for enhancing defensive capabilities. In a written statement, KNK responded to the rocket attack on Peshmerga positions in the Soran region.
In the attack in the border area of Xelîfan on Tuesday morning, six Peshmerga fighters were killed and 30 others were injured. “We strongly condemn this brutal attack and all those responsible,” the statement said. The KNK also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The statement emphasized that Kurds are not a party to the current war, but have repeatedly been targeted since the beginning of the conflict. “We are not a party to the war, but our land and our people are under attack,” the KNK stated. In this context, it called on all actors involved to halt attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. At the same time, it emphasized the right to self-defense: “The Kurdish people will defend themselves.”
In its statement, the KNK also directed sharp criticism at the Iraqi central government, stating that it must “not remain silent,” but must take action against the attacks and the armed militias involved, and implement measures to protect the region. The organization concluded its statement with an appeal: “We must strengthen our defensive capacity and consolidate our unity.” The defense of the KRI, it stressed, is inseparably linked to the defense of all of Kurdistan.