A drone strike targeting the private residence of the President of the Kurdistan Region in Duhok has escalated tensions, as Nechirvan Barzani warned in a call that the attack goes beyond a personal incident, describing it as a direct assault on Iraq’s constitutional order and institutional sovereignty.
On Sunday, Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, addressed the drone attack on his residence in Duhok province during a call with Rudaw. He stated that the incident was not merely a personal matter but a dangerous development and a direct attack on a constitutional institution established under Iraq’s constitution.
Barzani warned that allowing outlawed groups to target official institutions constitutes a serious threat to the overall stability of the country. He stressed the necessity for the federal government to confront this phenomenon decisively and to set clear limits on parties that act beyond the law.
He further emphasized that holding accountable those who grant themselves the authority to attack state institutions—whether in Erbil or Baghdad—is a national imperative to safeguard the dignity of constitutional bodies.
The Kurdistan Region President also expressed appreciation for the stance of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, noting that he had expressed concern and condemnation from the outset of the incident.
In another part of his remarks, Barzani extended his gratitude to the people of Kurdistan, from Zakho to Khanaqin, for their solidarity and support, describing it as a significant source of moral strength. He affirmed that protecting the lives of citizens and Peshmerga forces remains a top priority.
Barzani noted that the attack did not result in casualties, stating that “the blood of every citizen of this nation is extremely valuable to us.”
He concluded by offering condolences to the families of victims of recent attacks and wishing a swift recovery to the wounded, stressing that such pressures will not weaken the will of the people of Kurdistan to protect their constitutional achievements.