SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Iraqi President Barham Salih said on Sunday the “terrorist” attack which targeted the prime minister’s residence is a “dangerous transgression” and a “heinous crime against Iraq, adding that they will not accept a “coup” against its constitutional system.
The residence of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi was targeted by a drone laden with explosives early on Sunday. The Iraqi military said Kadhimi escaped unhurt.
“We cannot accept that Iraq will be dragged into chaos and a coup against its constitutional system,” Salih said in a tweet.
The Iraqi military said Kadhimi was in “good health”, but several members of his personnel protection were injured.
Two government officials said Kadhimi’s residence had been hit by at least one explosion and confirmed to Reuters that the prime minister was safe.
Security sources told Reuters that six members of Kadhimi’s personal protection force stationed outside his residence had been injured.
Earlier, the United States condemned the attack, offering assistance with the investigation.
“This apparent act of terrorism, which we strongly condemn, was directed at the heart of the Iraqi state,” spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.
“We are in close touch with the Iraqi security forces charged with upholding Iraq’s sovereignty and independence and have offered our assistance as they investigate this attack.”
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also condemned the failed assassination attempt, saying it was a “dangerous” development that threatens security and stability of the country.
