ERBIL — The United States is working to help the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Iraqi federal government get missile defense capabilities to defend themselves, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.
Speaking to CBS's Face the Nation program, Sullivan condemned Saturday night's missile attack on Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan Region, which cased great material damages to civilians' properties.
He confirmed that no US citizens were harmed in the missile track and no US facilities were hit. However, the national security advisor made it clear that the United States would do whatever it takes to defend its people, interests as well as allies.
"We are in consultation with the Iraqi government and the government in Iraqi Kurdistan, in part to help them get the missile defense capabilities to be able to defend themselves in their cities," Sullivan said.
At around 01:00 am on Sunday, massive explosions were heard across the Kurdish capital. Official statements soon confirmed 12 ballistic missiles had hit the areas around the new compound of the United States Consulate General. No serious casualties were reported, but the attack resulted in material damage to civilian properties and the headquarters of a media organization.
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani earlier today received a phone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the attack on Erbil.
"I spoke with Secretary Blinken tonight about today’s terrorist attack on Erbil," the premier wrote on Twitter. "We agreed it is a brazen violation of Iraq’s sovereignty. I stressed the urgent need to counter the fabricated set of false narratives used repeatedly in recent years in attacks on Erbil."
Prime Minister Barzani further called on the "partners to do more to support the Kurdistan Region."