12 ballistic missiles hit Iraq’s Kurdish regional capital

An aerial view shows Arbil, the capital of Iraq's northern autonomous Kurdish region, on Dec 13, 2021. (SAFIN HAMED / AFP)

BAGHDAD – Twelve ballistic missiles launched from outside Iraq struck the country's northern Kurdish regional capital Erbil on Sunday, the regional government said.

The attack occurred at 1:00 am (2200 GMT Saturday) when "12 long-range ballistic missiles were fired from the east outside the Iraqi borders towards the new building of the US consulate in Erbil and surrounding residential areas, as well as near the building of Kurdistan 24 TV Channel," the regional Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The attack resulted in the wounding of a civilian, along with damage to several buildings

The attack resulted in the wounding of a civilian, along with damage to several buildings, the statement said, adding that the Kurdish security forces are investigating the incident, with more details to be released later.

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Meanwhile, a statement by the media office of the Iraqi Joint Operations Command confirmed the attacks on Erbil, saying that "their perpetrators will receive their just punishment."

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack on the relatively peaceful Kurdistan region.

US forces stationed at Erbil's international airport complex have in the past come under fire from rockets and booby-trapped drones by unknown militias.

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