ISLAMABAD: Pakistan joined a torrent of global condemnation on Sunday after an attempt to assassinate Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.
Al-Kadhimi escaped unhurt after three explosives-laden drones targeted his residence inside the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad. Two of the drones were intercepted and destroyed but a third hit the building and detonated, injuring six members of the prime minister’s personal protection force.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the cowardly attack on the residence of the Prime Minister of Iraq in Baghdad today [Sunday], which resulted in many injuries. It is a matter of relief that Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi is safe,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.
“No cause justifies such wanton acts of violence. We reiterate our strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” it added.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said the attack was a “cowardly terrorist act,” and the US offered assistance with the investigation.
“I strongly condemn the terrorist attack targeting the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Kadhimi,” US President Joe Biden said. “I am relieved the prime minister was not injured and commend the leadership he has shown in calling for calm, restraint, and dialogue to protect the institutions of the state and strengthen the democracy Iraqis so richly deserve.”
Al-Kadhimi appeared in a video footage published by his office on Sunday chairing a meeting with top security commanders to discuss the drone attack.
“The cowardly terrorist attack that targeted the home of the prime minister with the aim of assassinating him is a serious targeting of the Iraqi state by criminal armed groups,” Al-Kadhimi’s office said.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
