Senior Kurdish officials attending the funeral of the six Peshmerga fighters killed in an Iranian missile strike condemned the “unjustified” attack carried out on the morning of Tuesday, March 24.

Read More: President Barzani Strongly Condemns Attack on Kurdistan Region

At the funeral, President Masoud Barzani offered his condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and expressed his solidarity with them.

At the funeral, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani extended his condolences “to the relatives and the proud families of the martyrs, and to all of us over the loss of these six heroic martyrs. We also wish the wounded a speedy recovery.”

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated that they were victims of treachery and betrayal, and that the attack was carried out without justification. 

Read More: Six Peshmerga Killed in Ballistic Missile Attack: MoPA

He also stressed that, while the Kurdistan Region does not want to be drawn into any war, the KRG will do whatever is necessary to protect Kurdistan and defend the dignity, rights, and land of its people. He emphasized that the Kurdistan Region will continue along the path of the martyrs and the path of President Barzani.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also offered his deep condolences to the families of the Peshmerga fighters that were killed in the attack.

“What I can confirm is that we engaged with the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately after the incident. They admitted that there was a mistake and promised to investigate the incident. They have sent a message of sympathy and condolences to the Kurdistan Region,” Kurdistan Region President said.

“Naturally, we have strongly condemned this attack on the Kurdistan Region, as the stance of the Kurdistan Region is clear: we are a factor of peace and stability in the region. We have consistently asserted that we do not pose a threat to any of our neighboring countries, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran.

“We have remained uninvolved in this conflict and will continue to do so. Our current hope is that the Islamic Republic of Iran will finalize the investigation and provide the Kurdistan Region with details regarding what happened,” he added.

Moreover, President Nechirvan Barzani called on Iraq to exercise its authority as a sovereign state to stop attacks on the Kurdistan Region. “The attacks being carried out by illegal entities in the Kurdistan Region must be put to an end. This responsibility lies with the Iraqi Federal Government and must be addressed.

“The Iraqi security forces are also being targeted within Iraq, not solely in the Kurdistan Region; however, it is essential to establish limits for those who have violated the law.”