Online videos purporting that rockets are raining on Erbil in Iraq have been posted. The consulate is located there.
Several rockets have reportedly struck an area in Erbil, northern Iraq, near a US diplomatic compound. Erbil, the capital of semi-autonomous Kurdistan is where the rockets were fired.
Online footage claims to show several explosions that rocked the region. It was believed that the strike caused several fires. Smoke could be seen billowing off the site.
AP reported, citing Iraqi officials, that at least 12 missiles were launched towards the area. They claimed that several of them struck the American consulate. According to US officials, there were no injuries.
Local media reported that the rockets damaged offices of Kurdistan 24 television station located close to the consulate.
The incident did not result in any casualties, Kurdistani Health Minister Saman Barzanji told local media, as quoted by Reuters. Politico’s Paul McLeary also reported, citing a US defense official, that there have not been any casualties among American personnel.
No one has claimed responsibility for the incident so far. Rudaw-based in Kurdistan reportedThe missiles “originated from outside the Kurdistan region and Iraq,”Referring to the regional counterterrorism authority.
A major US military installation, Al-Harir Air Base in Erbil is located here, together with the US consulate. The US military initially captured the Al-Harir Air Base during 2003’s invasion of Iraq. Along with three other Kurdistan Provinces, the US consulate also serves Erbil: Sulaimaniya and Duhok.
The attack is not the first on an American installation located in the area. An explosive drone attack was carried out near Erbil International Airport in September. This is where US troops are stationed. A similar attack occurred at Erbil International Airport in July 2016, just months prior. This time, it appeared that the drone was targeting US troops.
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