Deadly Iranian Attack Hits Erbil Home, Takes Civilian Lives in Iraq

 

On January 15, an Iranian ballistic missile struck a home in Erbil, Iraq, killing four civilians and injuring six, according to Human Rights Watch. Hours later, Iraqi air defenses intercepted three Iranian drones targeting Erbil airport.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed targeting a “Mossad center,” but provided no evidence. The Kurdish government rejected this, saying Iran violated Iraqi sovereignty. A witness described hearing loud explosions that shook his house. Drone footage showed near total destruction of the targeted home.

The attack killed local businessmen Peshraw Dizayee and Karam Mikhail, Dizayee’s 10-day-old daughter, and housekeeper. Iraq recalled its Tehran ambassador and formed an investigation committee. The committee and Iraq’s national security adviser found no evidence of espionage.

Kurdish and Iraqi leaders condemned the attack as a violation of sovereignty. The UN and UK also condemned the “reckless and imprecise” strikes. Human Rights Watch noted Iran’s history of assassinating civilians in Iraqi Kurdistan and called for an end to impunity.