During the late moments of Monday and the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday), the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted a missile operation in Syrian territory and the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
During the final moments of Monday and the early hours of yesterday (Tuesday), the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted a missile operation in the territories of Syria and the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Subsequent to this action, the IRGC released four official statements within the last 24 hours. In the initial statement, the IRGC reported the elimination of spy headquarters and the dispersal of anti-Iranian terrorist groups in specific regions through the use of ballistic missiles.
The content of the first announcement issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is as stated:
In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,
To the honorable and valiant people of Islamic Iran, it is announced that, relying on the guidance of Almighty God and the blessings of Imam Mahdi (may Allah expedite his reappearance), in response to the recent terrorist acts perpetrated by the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran, ballistic missiles from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted and obliterated espionage centers and meeting points of anti-Iranian terrorist groups in specific regions during the midnight hours tonight.
Shortly afterward, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released Statement No. 2, which states:
"Permission has been granted to those engaged in battle because they have been wronged, and indeed, Allah is capable of granting them victory."
Esteemed people of Islamic Iran, in response to recent heinous acts by terrorist groups leading to the tragic loss of some of our dear compatriots in Kerman and Rask, the IRGC identified the locations where commanders and key elements involved in recent terrorist operations, particularly those of ISIS, were gathering in the occupied territories of Syria. They were targeted and neutralized with the launch of multiple ballistic missiles. The IRGC assures the Iranian nation that hostile terrorist groups will be located wherever they are and will face the consequences for their disgraceful actions. Additional targeted objectives will be disclosed in due course.
"And victory is none but from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise."
In its third statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported the missile operation in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The statement includes the following:
"Truly, we are avengers even against the criminals."
Respected and honorable people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the esteemed nation of Islam,
In reaction to the recent malevolent actions of the Zionist regime, which resulted in the martyrdom of IRGC and Resistance Front commanders, the IRGC, through intelligence oversight and understanding of the regime's bases and activities in the region, targeted and obliterated one of the primary espionage centers of the Zionist regime (Mossad) in the Kurdistan region of Iraq using ballistic missiles. This center has been a focal point for developing espionage operations and planning terrorist activities in the region, particularly in our beloved country. We assure our cherished nation that the offensive operations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will persist until the last drop of martyrs' blood is avenged.
In the fourth statement, the details of the missile operation in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and Syria were elucidated as follows:
In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,
The esteemed and courageous people of Islamic Iran, by the grace of the Almighty and drawing strength from the noble spirits of our respected martyrs, particularly in response to recent terrorist atrocities in our Islamic homeland, notably in Kerman, the sacred region of Kerman, and the birthplace of the martyr of Quds, Sardar Sepahbod (Commander) Haj Qasem Soleimani, the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, under comprehensive intelligence oversight from the IRGC Intelligence Organization, successfully carried out a missile operation late last night (Tuesday) against the Mossad espionage headquarters in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. This operation also targeted the meeting point of commanders and key elements linked to terrorist activities in the country, specifically the terrorist group ISIS.
During this mission, 24 ballistic missiles were utilized to precisely target and neutralize specified objectives, including:
- Four Khaybar-2 ballistic missiles launched from Khuzestan to dismantle the headquarters of the Takfiri group ISIS in the Idlib region of Syria.
- Four missile flights from the west and an additional seven from the northwest of the country, directed at the Mossad espionage headquarters in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
- Nine diverse missile flights aimed at the deployment locations of various terrorist groups in different regions of the occupied territories of Syria.
To the resilient and esteemed people of Islamic Iran, we reaffirm that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' offensive operations will persist until retribution is secured for the last drop of our beloved homeland's martyrs' blood.
"Success comes only from Allah, the Mighty, the Wise."
Apart from the four statements issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Amirali Hajizadeh, the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, shared specifics regarding the missile attack on terrorist groups in the region. Brigadier General Hajizadeh remarked on the IRGC's operations: "With the prayers of the Iranian people, divine retribution was exacted upon the criminals. In response to the heinous actions of ISIS-Takfiri groups that claimed the lives of many compatriots in Kerman, the IRGC conducted a coordinated operation, successfully targeting a key Takfiri group's headquarters in the region, under the occupation of terrorist groups in Idlib, from the southernmost point of the country, over a distance of more than 1,300 kilometers." He went on to say, "Simultaneously, the IRGC effectively targeted another group in the eastern Euphrates region, the ISIS stronghold, reaching some ISIS members. Additionally, in response to the crimes of the Zionist regime in Syria, by the grace of God, we successfully targeted the Mossad espionage headquarters in the Kurdistan region of Iraq with 11 ballistic missiles."
From Erbil's Fury to the Summoning of the chargé d'affaires in Baghdad
The missile strike conducted by the Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Kurdistan region of Iraq elicited responses from both Erbil and Baghdad. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region, despite Iraq's failure to uphold security commitments in its agreement with Iran, reacted to the IRGC's missile attacks in Erbil. He called on the Iraqi government to decisively address the actions of the Revolutionary Guard Corps. Barzani contended that the attack constituted a clear violation of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region's independence. In a statement, he urged the federal government in Baghdad to take a principled stance against this violation. Barzani also appealed to the international community not to remain silent in the face of repeated attacks on the people of the Kurdistan Region. He stated that in the coming days, collaborative efforts with international partners would be initiated to halt these attacks. Following Iran's missile attack on Erbil, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chargé d'affaires of the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, issuing a protest note. The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while condemning the missile strike on the terrorists' headquarters in Erbil, announced the formation of an investigative committee in Baghdad to examine the incident.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the missile strikes by Iran on the terrorist headquarters in Erbil. The statement asserted that such actions violate Iraq's sovereignty, pose a threat to the security of its citizens, disrespect the principles of good neighborliness, and undermine regional security. It was emphasized in the statement that necessary measures would be taken in response to Iran's missile attack on Erbil, including filing a complaint at the United Nations Security Council. The statement also confirmed the death of Pishro Dzayi, a Kurdish merchant, and injuries sustained by his family members. However, Rudaw Media Network reported that, along with Pishro Dzayi, Karam Mikhail, an Iraqi Christian merchant and associate of Dzayi, was also killed in the incident. Karam Mikhail was present at Dzayi's residence during the attack and was a Christian citizen born in Baghdad in 1981. He served as the head of the electrical equipment importing company "Al-Riyan" and held a share in Samsung Company.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs additionally stated that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani has opted to establish a committee to probe the Iranian attack and compile relevant information. Qasim Al-Araji, Iraq's National Security Advisor, also traveled to Erbil on Tuesday as part of a security delegation to investigate the Iranian missile attack. Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid condemned the attack on Erbil via his social media account, affirming, "We denounce the attack on Erbil, which constitutes a violation of Iraq's sovereignty, fostering instability and insecurity in the country." He underscored the need for resolving issues through constructive dialogue rather than resorting to military actions that jeopardize Iraq's security.
Qatar's Prime Minister also responded to Iran's missile attacks. According to Al Jazeera, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Foreign Minister and Prime Minister, expressed his concern yesterday (Tuesday), warning against the escalation of tensions and the widening circle of conflict, which remains persistent in Gaza. He stressed, "We are troubled by the growing tension in the Red Sea, and a military solution will not alleviate the crisis in the Red Sea." Al-Thani affirmed, "The actions taken by the United States and the United Kingdom, ostensibly to prevent interferences to international trade in the Red Sea, paradoxically contribute to heightened tensions." As per Al Jazeera's report, he further remarked, "Alternative routes to the Red Sea are less efficient, and any solution that neglects the Gaza issue is merely a temporary fix. Addressing the situation in the Red Sea requires the prior resolution of the Gaza problem."
Qatar's Prime Minister elaborated further: "The Red Sea is currently facing its most precarious situation, impacting not only the region but also the world. The global landscape is growing more complex, particularly given the sensitive situation in Palestine where we anticipated heightened tensions. We have guidelines ready to address escalating tensions in the region." Responding to a question regarding Iran's missile strikes on terrorist headquarters in the area, Qatar's Foreign Minister emphasized, "We cannot view regional events in isolation; they are interconnected."
Tehran’s response
After the missile operation carried out by the Revolutionary Guard in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and Syria, Naser Kanaani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, responded. Regarding Idlib, he stated, "The undertaken action aligns with the robust defense of the country's sovereignty and security, the fight against terrorism, and is part of the just retribution by the Islamic Republic against those posing threats to the country's security." Nasser Kanaani further remarked, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently supported peace, stability, and security in the region, upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. Simultaneously, it will not hesitate to exercise its legitimate and legal right to confront threats to national security, safeguard the security of its citizens, and punish offenders."
He proceeded with his remarks, stating: "In the face of the enemy's misguided calculations and their criminal act against the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran, our nation, equipped with advanced intelligence capabilities, executed a precise and targeted operation. Employing precise and focused missile strikes, we aimed at the bases of the offenders. This constitutes a segment of the Islamic Republic of Iran's response to those who threaten Iran's national security and the safety of its citizens."
Kanaani characterized terrorism as a widespread global threat and underscored Iran's unwavering commitment to combatting it through regional and international collaboration. Additionally, Ebrahim Azizi, Vice President of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament, disclosed that the upcoming committee session would scrutinize the dimensions of these operations. Jokar, the leader of the Committee on Internal Affairs in the country, asserted that the Revolutionary Guard's actions against invasive and terrorist elements underscored the paramount importance and priority of border security for Iran's armed forces. A cautionary message was directed at adversaries, serving as a form of retribution for the martyrs' blood. However, this should not be misunderstood as the culmination of the task; rather, it signifies a new beginning.
Washington: No U.S. Base or Forces Were Targeted in the Iranian Attack
Adrian Watson, the spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, addressed the Revolutionary Guard's attack on Erbil, confirming that they have received information regarding missile attacks in northern Iraq and Syria. They are currently conducting an investigation. Watson highlighted, "No casualties or damages have been reported, and no U.S. personnel or facilities were targeted." He added, "Iran asserts that this action is a response to terrorist attacks in Kerman and Rask, focusing on ISIS. We will continue evaluating the situation." The U.S. official noted that "initial indications suggest this was a reckless and imprecise series of strikes." The U.S. Department of State also denounced Iran's missile attacks on the Kurdistan region of Iraq, as stated in a released statement. Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, condemned the interventionist comments and denounced the actions of the Revolutionary Guard.
The missile operation by the Revolutionary Guard, as reported by Reuters news agency, occurred amidst concerns about an escalation of conflicts in the Middle East following Israel's attacks on Gaza. This is particularly notable as forces from Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen have become increasingly involved. Three security sources informed Reuters that air traffic at Erbil airport, the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, has been halted. According to Al Jazeera, the Security Council of the Kurdistan Region asserted that four people were killed and six others injured in this attack, including Pishro Dzayi, the head of the 'Falcon' company. Al Jazeera also reported that coalition forces reportedly downed three drones near Erbil airport in Iraq.
Irrespective of these considerations, the right to defend against terrorist attacks or any provocations initiated by the Zionist regime of Israel, particularly following the unfortunate incident in Kerman, is unquestionably justified. A determined response to terrorism is viable and would carry historical significance.
