Erbil: The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced the destruction of a US surveillance balloon control system at an American base in Erbil, northern Iraq, as part of a hybrid missile and drone attack. This development highlights escalating tensions in the region.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the IRGC issued a statement early Wednesday detailing the operation carried out by its Ground Forces. The attack targeted US bases in Erbil, leading to the destruction of a maintenance center and warehouses containing crucial technical equipment. Additionally, fuel storage facilities were set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of several US personnel.

The IRGC linked this aggressive move to a recent US strike on a wedding ceremony in Sirik County, southern Iran, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, including deaths and injuries. The IRGC has framed their operation as a retaliatory measure in response to the US strike.

In its statement, the IRGC urged the people of Iraqi Kurdistan to prevent their territory from being used as a base for launching attacks against Iran. It also emphasized that the US military presence and hostile operations in the region must come to an end.