Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Jalal Talabani strongly denounced the overnight strikes on Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, calling the attacks “a severe breach” of international norms and an “unacceptable violation” of the Kurdistan Region’s security, while emphasizing that the Region does not seek escalation or further instability. 

Over the past 24 hours, the Kurdistan Region has faced an intensive wave of drone and missile attacks, resulting in casualties and material damage.

The Directorate General of Counter Terrorism (CTD) in Erbil announced that coalition forces successfully intercepted and destroyed 5 explosive-laden drones over Erbil last night, between 21:58 and 22:06, with no casualties reported. 

Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Region Security Agency (Asayish) said at 6:20 AM, a separate barrage of 7 missiles struck multiple locations across the Sulaymaniyah governorate. The attacks resulted in 9 fatalities.

'An Attack on One Is an Attack on All'

“Last night, our nation faced a grave and unacceptable violation of our security and sovereignty. A ballistic missile strike, launched from Iran, targeted our homeland and our heroic security forces,” Talabani said in a statement on Saturday. 

He noted that the immediate priority remains the safety, well-being, and protection of citizens, with emergency services and defense forces fully engaged and working continuously to ensure security across the country. 

“We stand with our brothers in Erbil at this grave time; an attack on one is an attack on all,” he stressed. 

Citizen Safety Is a Boundary That Cannot Be Crossed

Talabani urged everyone to remain calm and vigilant while following the official guidance of the security services, adding that they stand together in a resilient and resolute manner.

The PUK President affirmed that the strikes were a “deliberate act of aggression, a severe breach of international norms, and an unwarranted escalation.” 

“We condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms,” he underlined, adding, “Let it be clear: the targeting of our nation is entirely unacceptable, and the safety of our people is a boundary that cannot be crossed.” 

Talabani Demands Immediate Cessation of Hostilities

Talabani highlighted that the Kurdistan Region is not seeking an escalation of conflict or further instability, but warned that their "restraint should not be misinterpreted as a lack of resolve or capability."

He stated that active coordination is underway with allies and partners to finalize a measured, decisive, and robust diplomatic and defensive response to safeguard the nation. 

“We call for an immediate cessation of these hostile actions; we demand an immediate explanation for these violations. Our focus remains entirely on defense, de-escalation, and the absolute protection of our citizens,” he underlined.