After attending the funeral ceremony for the couple that was killed in an Iranian drone strike last night, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani told reporters that there is no justification for the attacks on the Kurdistan Region.

“In truth, there is no justification for these attacks on the Kurdistan Region. We have spoken with the Iranian side, conveyed our complaints, and made clear that the Kurdistan Region is not part of this conflict. We pose no threat to any side. Those who harm the people of the Kurdistan Region are accountable before God and the conscience of humanity, because there is absolutely no reason for carrying out such assaults.

“Without doubt, those whose hands are stained with the blood of our people will, sooner or later, face the consequences of their actions. We remain committed to the path of our martyrs for the freedom and dignity of our nation, and we will continue to defend the land and homeland of Kurdistan.”

On Tuesday, the KRG Department of Foreign Relations delivered a formal letter of protest and concern to the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Erbil in response to recent statements and threats made by Iran’s Consul General in Sulaymaniyah directed toward the people and the constitutional status of the Kurdistan Region.

“Unfortunately, up to now, the Iraqi government has taken no real steps to prevent these attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region,” Prime Minister Barzani told reporters.

“We have spoken with all parties in the international community, as well as with our allies and friends. They have all reaffirmed their support for the Kurdistan Region and its innocent people. I hope a clear line will be drawn against these aggressions on Kurdistan.”

Prime Minister Barzani reiterated that attacks on the Kurdistan Region are continuing and emphasized that the Iraqi government bears a major responsibility to stop the terrorists who assault the region.

“We have taken every necessary step on our side and have communicated with all parties to ensure that these attacks and aggressions against the Kurdistan Region are brought to an end.

“Once again, innocent people in the Kurdistan Region have been attacked without any justification, resulting in the martyrdom of two citizens – a loss that is deeply felt by all of us. We express our solidarity with President Barzani and with all the people of Kurdistan.”

He added that the Kurdistan Region has repeatedly been subjected to such unjustified attacks.“We hope this violence and tension will come to an end so that our people can live in security and fulfill their aspirations.”

In a statement on Tuesday, KRG Coordinator for International Advocacy Dindar Zebari also expressed deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian impact of security incidents affecting civilians across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

He underlined that attacks directed against civilians or civilian infrastructure may amount to war crimes under the 1998 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, with individual criminal responsibility extending to perpetrators, including those in positions of command and leadership, under the principle of command responsibility.

Since the regional conflict began on February 28, the total casualties resulting from attacks by Iran and Iranian-backed groups on the Kurdistan Region has risen to at least 17 people killed and dozens injured.