Three rockets fell on Monday near the international airport of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, al-Sumaria broadcaster reported.
"Three missiles fell in the area of Erbil international airport, security officials were dispersed in the area," the broadcaster said, citing a source in the Iraqi security services.
US Operation Inherent Resolve coalition spokesman Wayne Marotto issued a statement on Twitter, saying that one person was killed and six more, including a US soldier, were injured in the rocket strike in Erbil.
Initial reports that Indirect Fire landed on Coalition Forces in Erbil tonight. There was 1 civilian contractor killed, 5 civilian contractors injured and 1 US service member injured. More information to follow.
— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) February 15, 2021
Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister, Masroor Barzani, wrote on Twitter that he had discussed the missile attack in Erbil with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and they agreed to coordinate an investigation into the incident.
He condemned the rocket attack and stressed that he instructed the security services to launch a full-scale investigation.
I spoke with @SecBlinken about the cowardly attack on Erbil. We agreed to coordinate closely in the investigation to identify the outlaws behind it -mb.
— Masrour Barzani پابەندین# (@masrour_barzani) February 15, 2021
Alleged videos of the attack were shared on social media, showing smoke emerging in the distance.
#BREAKING: Initial reports of rockets landing near #Erbil Airport where U.S. troops are stationed. If confirmed, this comes after a relative lull in rocket attacks in #Iraq. Watch this space. pic.twitter.com/IrzrQARB8w
— Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) February 15, 2021
Media reports claim the rockets could have targeted the US military base located in the area.
BREAKING: 🎥 Reports of huge fire coming “out of the US military base” after the rocket attack on Erbil Airport, Iraq pic.twitter.com/zzg74M105E
— ASB News / MILITARY〽️ (@ASBMilitary) February 15, 2021
According to reports, a previous attack targeting the US military base in Erbil occurred in late September 2020. The base's anti-missile air defense system reportedly thwarted the attack, with at least two rockets falling in the populated areas.
