EU Member Countries Condemn Rocket Attack that Jolted Iraq
On the unfortunate day of 15th February 2021, a total of 24 rockets attacked a U.S. base in the Iraqi capital of Kurdistan. The attack is said to have injured 5 Americans, one of whom was a US service members and killed at least one civilian contractor. The attack also affected nearby residential areas as per local media.
According to statements given by brigade commander and Colonel, Scott Desormeaux, the US service member who got injured in the attack only suffered “minor injury” and has even returned to duty. On the other hand, Col. Scott did notify some contractors receiving serious enough injuries to undergo surgeries. EU member states along with the United States condemned the attack on US facility in the “strongest terms”.
At first no individual or entity claimed the attack of February 15. However, immediately afterwards followed a confirmation from an Iran-backed group called the Saraya Awliya al-Dam, citing to have launched all 24 rockets in the attack. The group is considered to be a front of the Iran-linked militias, Kataib Hezbollah in particular that killed several American troops in their 2019 and 2020 attack on US bases in Iraq.
The government of Britain released a joint statement with member nations France, Italy and Germany, along with the United States, condemning the February 15 attack in the northern region of Iraq.
In condemnation of the attack that was launched on the US-led forces, the countries cited the following statement, “We the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America condemn in the strongest terms the February 15 rocket attack in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. We offer our condolences to the victims, their families, and the Iraqi people.” They also showed solidarity with the US in getting to the ends of the attack and added, “Together, our governments will support the government of Iraq’s investigation into the attack with a view to holding accountable those responsible.”
A top US commander in Iraq, Gen. Frank McKenzie said that Iran possess great military capabilities and have showcased it by importing combat power in Iraq and Syria, possibly employed by Kataib Hezbollah.
