Erbil: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani condemned the attack on coalition forces in Makhmur on Friday, demanding that those responsible be held accountable.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Kurdistan Regional Government's media office released a statement indicating that President Barzani spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron. Barzani expressed his strong condemnation of the terrorist attack targeting a joint Peshmerga and French forces camp within the international coalition in the Makhmur area. The attack resulted in the death of a French non-commissioned officer and injuries to several other French soldiers.

The statement detailed Barzani's conveyance of "his deepest condolences and those of the people of Kurdistan to President Macron, the people and government of France, and the families and comrades of the French non-commissioned officer who gave his life to protect security and confront terrorism." He added that "our hearts are with them," and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded.

President Barzani also conveyed "gratitude and appreciation for the support and assistance provided by France to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region," recognizing the sacrifices of the French forces stationed in the region. He emphasized the necessity for the Iraqi government to prevent attacks, punish responsible groups, and protect the country's interests and international relations from being jeopardized.

President Macron, in response, expressed "gratitude and appreciation for President Nechirvan Barzani's call and his sympathy and that of the people of Kurdistan," affirming France's continued support and assistance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

The statement further noted that both leaders discussed the latest developments in the war and its regional repercussions, stressing the importance of efforts aimed at stopping the war and resolving issues through peaceful means.