UN chief, UK condemn drone attack on President Barzani’s residence
Shafaq News- Geneva/ Erbil (Updated at 22:23)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on Sunday condemned a drone attack targeting the residence of Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in Duhok.
In a statement delivered by spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres called for accountability and a prompt investigation, urging all parties to avoid violence and prevent further destabilization in Iraq.
.@antonioguterres strongly condemns the drone attack on 28 March on the residence of the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. He calls for an immediate & thorough investigation into the attack & for those responsible to be held accountable.https://t.co/jGBU1okcdt
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) March 29, 2026
Meanwhile, Cooper reaffirmed during a phone call with Barzani the United Kingdom’s support for Iraq and the Region, while expressing condolences and solidarity with affected Peshmerga families.
The Kurdish President thanked the UK for its backing and affirmed that the Kurdistan Region remains outside the ongoing conflict.
سەرۆک نێچیرڤان بارزانی پەیوەندییەکی تەلەفۆنیی لە وەزیری دەرەوەی بەریتانیاوە پێگەیشتhttps://t.co/xijP1be3rc pic.twitter.com/94yRWhOJW4
— Kurdistan Region Presidency (@KurdistanRegion) March 29, 2026
Discussions also covered political developments and the broader impact of the war, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts and peaceful solutions.
The strike, which Barzani previously described as a “very dangerous escalation for Iraq,” drew widespread condemnation from Iraqi political forces, as well as regional and international figures. Earlier today, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, the Arab League, and Jordan also denounced the attack, warning that it threatens Iraq’s stability and regional security.
