Iranian MFA: IRGC attacks Iraq for security reasons

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has attacked Iraq for security reasons.

Spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanani said that IRGC attacked Iraqi Kurdistan to protect Iran's sovereignty and security, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s message on Telegram.

Among the IRGC’s goals he also mentioned the fight against terrorism and punishment of violators of Iran’s security.

“Iran always supports peace, stability and security in the region and is committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries. It is using its legitimate right to combat those threatening national security. Iran also protects its citizens and will not hesitate to punish criminals,” according to the message.

The IRGC attacked eight facilities near the US Consulate in Erbil, the administrative centre of Iraqi Kurdistan, killing several people on January 16 morning. The IRGC attacked in response to recent terrorist attacks in Iran. The US Department of State condemned the attack. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry promised to send a complaint to the UN Security Council.