SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The United Nations said national unity among Iraqis is “key” to fight threats of terrorism in the country.
In a statement, U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) condemned the “heinous attacks” that targeted civilians in Diyala province on Tuesday night.
Iraqi military said ISIS militants attacked Hawasha village near Miqdadiya town on Tuesday night, killing 11 people.
It added that the attack targeted “defenseless civilians”.
“UNAMI calls on the authorities to fully investigate the attacks and exert every effort to ensure the safety and security of all citizens,” said UNAMI.
“To fight continued threats of terrorism and violence that undermine Iraq’s stability, national unity is key. Those who seek to harm and divide cannot do so if Iraqis stand together as one,” it added.
Separately, the EU delegation to Iraq also denounced the attack that targeted innocent people.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said the crime would not go “unpunished” and that such “heinous crimes” strengthen the government’s determination to defeat the militants.
Iraqi President Barham Salih said the attack was a “despicable attempt” to destabilize the country.
Separately, Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi called on the political forces to “give priority to Iraq’s interests” following the attack.
In 2017 Baghdad announced victory over Islamic State (ISIS), and attacks in Iraqi cities have since become much rarer, although troops continue to fight ISIS sleeper cells in mountainous and desert areas.
The militants still mount deadly operations, mostly at night and in remote areas.
