The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) "strongly condemned the deadly artillery shelling in the Zakho district of Dohuk Governorate", Kurdistan Region, that killed 9 civilians and injured 23 others.

The Mission expressed its "deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wishes the injured a speedy recovery."

The statement said: "Civilians are once again suffering the indiscriminate effects of explosive weapons. Under international law, attacks must not be directed at the civilian population. UNAMI therefore calls for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack, and emphasizes that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Iraq must be respected at all times."

The statement continued: "As UN Iraq Special Representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert stated in her latest briefing to the UN Security Council: 'What are we looking at? Shelling and missiles as the new normal for Iraq? This is a very risky way to advance interests, and one which further weakens the State of Iraq'. UNAMI urges all parties to cease these violations without delay."