Iran-backed militias have launched rockets targeting US troops that landed near Erbil airport in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a Kurdish security agency says.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The attack comes just hours after Iraq's premier pledged to protect foreign missions.
Iraqi Kurdistan's counter-terrorism service blamed the attack on the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an umbrella grouping of mostly Iran-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias that is part of Iraq's armed forces.
"Six rockets were launched from the borders of the Sheikh Amir village in Nineveh province by the Popular Mobilisation Forces who were targeting (US-led) coalition forces in Erbil International Airport," the service said.
Four rockets landed at the edge of the airport compound and two did not explode, it added in a statement.
The Kurdish interior ministry condemned the attack, which it said took place at 8.30pm local time on Wednesday.
It did not directly blame the PMF but said the rockets were launched from an area under the jurisdiction of the PMF's 30th Brigade.
Spokesman Colonel Wayne Marotto of the US-led coalition said initial reports were that indirect fire did not land on coalition forces in Erbil.
"There was no damage or casualties. Incident is under investigation," he said on Twitter.
No group claimed immediate responsibility for the attack, which occurred hours after Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi pledged in a meeting with top diplomats to protect foreign missions and limit possession of weapons to state forces following a US threat to shut down its embassy in Baghdad.
"Those who carry out attacks on foreign missions are seeking to destabilise Iraq and sabotage its regional and international relations," Kadhimi told 25 foreign emissaries, including the US ambassador, earlier on Wednesday.
Australian Associated Press
