Iran's Revolutionary Guards have claimed responsibility for a series of missile attacks on what they described as Israeli "espionage headquarters" in Iraq's Kurdistan region, amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. The elite force also reported striking targets in Syria, targeting the Islamic State.
According to the statement released by Iran's Guards, ballistic missiles were deployed to destroy espionage centers and gatherings of anti-Iranian groups in the region, explicitly naming Israel's Mossad spy agency. This aggressive move by Iran comes amid claims of Israel operating secret bases used by Mossad in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.
The strikes, which took place late Monday, caused significant destruction and civilian casualties. At least four civilians were killed and six injured in the Erbil attacks, including multimillionaire Kurdish businessman Peshraw Dizayee and members of his family. The Kurdistan government's security council condemned the attack as a "crime," highlighting the impact on civilians and regional stability.
The attacks near Erbil reportedly occurred in a neighborhood close to the U.S. consulate and civilian residences, though U.S. officials confirmed that no American facilities were impacted. Air traffic at Erbil airport was temporarily halted following the explosions.
Iran's actions are seen as a response to recent terrorist attacks in its southeastern city of Kerman, which killed nearly 100 people. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for these attacks, intensifying Iran's efforts to retaliate against perceived threats.
The U.S. has been monitoring the situation closely, with a U.S. defense official acknowledging the missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria. White House national security council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated, "No U.S. personnel or facilities were targeted. We have been in touch with senior Iraqi officials as well as officials in the Kurdistan Region."
This development marks a significant escalation in the region, with Iran directly targeting what it claims are Israeli-operated facilities. The attacks also underscore the ongoing proxy conflicts in the Middle East, involving Iran, the U.S., and Israel, among others.
As the region grapples with the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and continued conflicts across Lebanon and Yemen, these strikes by Iran's Revolutionary Guards represent a more direct approach in their ongoing confrontation with U.S. and Israeli interests.
