Washington, DC, USA (us.gov.krd) – In response to increased security concerns in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative to the United States, Ms. Treefa Aziz, held several meetings with prominent members of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in early January 2024. These discussions aimed to address the urgent security concerns arising from drone and rocket attacks, underscoring the critical situation in the Kurdistan region.

During a series of week-long discussions with Members of Congress and senior staff, Representative Aziz emphasized the need for greater coordination to counteract recent escalations in attacks targeting both US and Kurdish assets and personnel in the region. Specifically, the provision within the current national defense authorization act that provides air defense equipment to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region has become more important now than ever. The recent ballistic attacks in Erbil, that killed innocent civilians, including a Kurdish businessman and his 11-month older daughter, underscore the urgent requirement for defensive capabilities to shield against such flagrant acts of aggression.

The KRG mission in the US is committed to developing a robust relationship with Members of Congress and bolstering its bipartisan support within Congress.