Lord Austin of Dudley asked Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of who is responsible for the rocket attacks in Erbil on 15 February.
FCDO Minister Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon replied on 8 March 2021: “The Government of Iraq (GoI) and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) are urgently investigating circumstances around the rocket attacks in the vicinity of Erbil Airport on 15 February. Although publicly claimed by a militia group called Awliya al-Dam (Guardians of the Blood), investigations are still ongoing. The UK has committed along with the US, France, Germany, and Italy to support the GoI’s and KRG’s efforts, with a view to holding accountable those responsible.”
My Comment. Many thanks to Ian Austin for asking this question. His action and the government’s response illustrate that the terrible attack, in which two people were killed, is taken seriously, as it should. Such attacks are rare and should be pursued and punished at the right time and to show everyone that there is a fundamental solidarity with the people of the Kurdistan Region whose long-nurtured security and stability has made them stand out in Iraq and the Middle East. Gary Kent
