Kurdistan PM: US abandons its allies in the region to Iranian attacks

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani sharply criticized the US withdrawal from Iraq, calling it "shameful." In an interview with the Financial Times, he warned that Washington is abandoning its Kurdish ally in the face of Iranian attacks, amid the departure of American soldiers on September 30. Barzani emphasized that the Kurds are left without a proper air defense system, while Iran and its militias threaten Kurdish autonomy.

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani today (Sunday) sharply criticized the United States' withdrawal from Iraq, calling it "shameful." In an interview with the Financial Times, Barzani said that Washington is abandoning its Kurdish ally in the face of Iranian attacks, amid the departure of nearly all American soldiers from Iraq on September 30. Barzani warned that the withdrawal is occurring during an unstable period in the region and emphasized: "The threat is real. They are attacking us. Being left alone without any proper defense system is shameful." He further stated that the Kurds are prevented from purchasing essential weapons against missiles and drones, which weakens them. This comes amid a report by Kan News that the US recently removed air defense systems from the Erbil area, the capital of the Kurdish region, which has become a target for attacks by Iran and its militias. Barzani warned that while the Shiite militias refuse to disarm, the American decision could undermine Kurdish autonomy. The Kurdish regional leadership has sent messages to the US in an attempt to slow the withdrawal of forces but has found no receptive ear.