Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, released a statement after the deadly Turkish attack that targeted civilians in a touristic resort in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) earlier today.

The artillery attack claimed the lives of 9 civilians and left another 22 injured. According to reports, the prime minister has decided to send a delegation to the scene for an on-site examination. The delegation will reportedly be headed by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.

The statement released by Al-Kadhimi after the deadly attack includes the following:

“Once again, the Turkish Forces committed an explicit and blatant violation of the sovereignty of Iraq and the lives and security of Iraqi citizens by targeting a touristic resort in the Governorate of Dohuk in the Kurdistan region of Iraq today, Wednesday, through the use of artillery.

This attack led to the deaths and injuries of civilians, most of whom are women and children.

This brutal attack underscores the fact that Turkey ignored Iraq’s continuous demands to refrain from military violations against Iraqi territory and the lives of its people.

As Iraq appreciates and adheres to neighborly principles and rejects the use of Iraqi territory by any party to attack its neighbors, at the same time, Iraq rejects using security justifications by any party to threaten the lives of Iraqi citizens and attack Iraqi territory which violated international agreements and joint cooperation.

Iraq reserves its full right to respond to these attacks and will take all necessary measures to protect its people and hold the aggressors accountable for the ongoing escalation.”