UK condemns ‘outrageous’ rocket attacks on Erbil airport in northern Iraq

Foreign Minister Dominic Raab says attack ‘puts Iraq’s stability at risk’

Two men stand near the scene of a rocket attack targeting Erbil's airport, the first time in nearly two months that Western military or diplomatic installations have been targeted in Iraq. AFP

A man inspects the damage near the scene of a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP

There were several blasts and a fire blazing for a few minutes near the airport. AFP

Smoke rises over Erbil, Iraq, where mortar shells reportedly struck close to the airport. Reuters

Security forces gather following a rocket attack in Erbil, the capital of the northern Iraqi Kurdish autonomous region. AFP

People look at damage caused by the rocket attack on Erbil airport in Iraqi Kurdistan. Eight rockets targeted the airport, one of which hit an apartment complex near the US consulate. EPA

Broken glass at the Bright Castle Motors building after reports of mortar shells landing near Erbil airport, Iraq. Reuters

Five people were wounded and many shops damaged, security officials said. EPA

Brodie Owen

UK Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said Monday’s attacks on US-led forces in northern Iraq were "outrageous and unacceptable".

Rockets made in Iran were fired at Erbil International Airport in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq at about 9.30pm local time.

The attacks killed a civilian contractor and injured a US service member, as well as nine others.

"Last night’s attacks on @coalition forces and civilians in Erbil were outrageous & unacceptable," Mr Raab wrote on Twitter.

"Iraqis won’t forgive militias putting Iraq’s stability at risk."

At least three rockets were fired at the airport, one of which hit a military complex where US-led coalition troops are stationed.

There were several blasts and a fire blazed for a few minutes near the airport, Reuters reported.

Two other missiles hit residential areas near the airport, a source said.

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The airport reopened on Tuesday afternoon and flights resumed, authorities said.

It was unclear whether the attack was aimed at international forces or the airport.

The Kurdish region's interior ministry said counterterrorism, security and police units immediately launched an investigation, in co-ordination with coalition forces.

Officials found a vehicle they suspected the rockets were fired from.

"The vehicle was a Kia and it was located between Erbil and Gwer," the ministry said. "Last night’s attack employed the same method and technique used in a previous assault on Erbil airport.”

Monday’s attack was the first time a US military or diplomatic installation has been attacked in Iraq in almost two months.

Updated: February 16, 2021, 5:57 PM