ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The British consulate general in Erbil on Tuesday expressed its “heartfelt” condolences for the loss of two commanders and a fighter from joint Kurdish and Iraqi forces earlier this week.
In addition to the death of the three members of the joint brigade, three others were also wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on them in Salahaddin province’s Tuz Khurmatu, located about 65 kilometers south of Kirkuk city.
“The UK remains steadfast in its partnership with the Joint Brigades, committed to supporting Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty,” the British diplomatic mission said in its message of condolence on X.
On Monday, the US consulate also extended its condolences to the victims of the attack which was claimed by ISIS.
The attack has been condemned by Iraqi and Kurdish officials, with some of them reiterating the need for greater cooperation between Peshmerga and Iraqi forces to counter terrorism.
Iraq and the Kurdistan Region continue to carry out regular operations against ISIS militants, and officials have said that the threat from the terror group is contained.
ISIS controlled swathes of Iraqi territory at its height in 2014, leaving Iraq with no choice but to request assistance from the United States.
The US formed a global coalition against the group which also includes the UK.
The Iraqi army and the Kurdish Peshmerga fought to retake areas of the country controlled by the extremists, declaring the territorial defeat of ISIS in 2017. The global coalition has provided both forces with air and ground support.
