15 Jan 2024 | 11:55 PM UTC
Iraq: Iran-claimed attacks kill at least four people in Erbil and briefly suspend air traffic at Erbil International Airport late Jan. 15 /update 1
Explosions kill four people and briefly suspend air traffic in Erbil, Iraq, late Jan. 15; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims attacks.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for attacks in Erbil that killed at least four people and wounded several others late Jan. 15. The IRGC has alleged that it targeted an Israeli Mossad espionage center with ballistic missiles, destroying it. Explosions were reported near the US Consulate amid the bombardment; however, no missile strikes impacted US facilities or killed US or US-led coalition forces. US-led coalition forces also reportedly shot down several drones in the vicinity of Erbil International Airport (EBL) amid the salvo, and authorities briefly halted air traffic at EBL.
While air traffic had reportedly resumed at EBL as of early Jan. 16, residual flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, may nonetheless impact the airport over the coming hours. Increased security is likely in Erbil, including in the vicinity of the US Consulate, as authorities continue to investigate and respond to the attacks. Additional attacks may target the Erbil area over the short term.
Avoid impacted areas until authorities give the all-clear. Confirm flight reservations if scheduled to travel via EBL. Do not check out of accommodations until onward travel is confirmed. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. If incoming artillery fire is reported in the general vicinity, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Maintain contact with your country's diplomatic mission.
The explosions in Erbil come amid near-daily drone and rocket attacks against US military camps in Iraq and Syria by Shi'a militias. The Jan. 15 incident also comes amid Israel's ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. Iran's proxies in the region, including in Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon, have used the pretext of the Israel-Hamas conflict to launch attacks against US and Western military and commercial interests in the region over the last several weeks.
