President Barzani warns attacks on Kurdistan Region must stopز
President Masoud Barzani on Sunday warned that continued attacks on civilian sites, economic infrastructure, and Peshmerga bases in the Kurdistan Region threaten the stability and security of the region, calling on the Government of Iraq and political forces in Baghdad to intervene and halt the aggression.
In a public message issued March 8, Barzani said the Kurdish people have historically sought peace and coexistence and have taken up arms only when conflict was imposed upon them.
“Throughout history, the people of Kurdistan have never favored war and have always desired peace and coexistence,” Barzani said. “If war has been imposed upon them, they have defended themselves and their rights.”
He noted that the region is currently experiencing heightened tensions across the Middle East and reiterated that Kurdistan continues to support resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue.
“It is deeply regrettable that there is currently so much war and tension in our region,” he said. “Our hope has always been that every problem be resolved through peaceful means, because war always brings ruin and devastation.”
Barzani criticized armed groups operating under the name “Resistance,” accusing them of attacking civilian sites, economic infrastructure, and positions belonging to the Peshmerga.
He described the attacks as unjustified and carried out under baseless slogans, warning that they amount to direct aggression against the rights of citizens and the stability of the Kurdistan Region.
“This is warmongering and an explicit aggression against the rights of citizens and the stability and security of the Kurdistan Region,” Barzani said.
He also warned that restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
“All parties must understand well that restraint has limits,” he said. “The Peshmerga have never accepted oppression or coercion from any side.”
Barzani called on the Iraqi federal government, the Council of Representatives of Iraq, and political parties, particularly the Coordination Framework, to take serious steps to stop the attacks and set clear limits to such actions.
He warned that continued provocations could lead to dangerous consequences.
Barzani also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the region from further conflict.
“We assure the beloved people of Kurdistan that we will continue with all our strength to ensure Kurdistan remains away from war and calamity and that the peace, security, and lives of our people are protected,” he said.