The city of Erbil, in northern Iraq, was shaken by the impact of several ballistic missiles. Iran has claimed responsibility for the attack and reported that it destroyed “one of the main espionage centers” of the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency.
Videos shared on social networks and local press reports shared shocking images of the explosions that illuminated Erbil’s night sky this Monday. Preliminary information suggests that the explosions were recorded in the area of the local airport and near the U.S. consulate, as well as several civilian residences.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the missiles were directed at “espionage centers” and “anti-Iran terrorist groups” in the vicinity of Erbil. The IRGC later claimed that one of Mossad’s main “spy centers” was destroyed in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
“The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in response to recent aggressions by the Zionist regime (...), targeted and destroyed one of the main espionage centers of the Zionist regime (Mossad) in the Kurdistan region of Iraq using ballistic missiles. This center has been the hub for developing espionage operations and designing terrorist activities in the region, especially in our beloved country,” the statement said.
#BREAKING Iran's IRGC says its missile attacks against Erbil in northern Iraq have targeted "Mossad espionage bases".
There are unconfirmed reports that the house of a Kurdish businessman close to the Barzani family has been among the targets.https://t.co/8yrnxLhs2V pic.twitter.com/VDIzq34Gq2— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) January 15, 2024
Among civilian fatalities: a businessman and his family
The Kurdistan Security Council has confirmed that four civilians were killed and six injured as a result of the recent missile attack in Erbil. Among the dead were Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayee, his wife and two other relatives.
BREAKING:
The Islamic regime in Iran tonight killed one of Iraq’s richest men, Peshraw Dizayee, by firing 2 ballistic missiles from Iran at his home in Erbil, Iraq.
His wife and another 2 relatives were murdered too.
He was targeted facilitating trade with Israel pic.twitter.com/dIZ4AxQM3u
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 15, 2024
Suspension of air traffic
After the explosions in Erbil, Iraqi authorities decided to suspend air traffic at Erbil International Airport, given the possibility of more attacks in the area.
This is not the first time Iran has attacked northern Iraq, arguing that the Kurdistan region serves as a haven for anti-Iran groups, including those with sympathies toward Israel.
