Iraq, Kurdistan 'condemn' attacks on mosques in New Zealand
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Iraq's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned "terror in all forms" while saying that Baghdad believes three Iraqis were among the 48 injured at two mosque on Friday in New Zealand.
"[We have] information that there are three injured Iraqis and we will follow up on the content of your tweet and thank you for following up," Minister Mohammed Ali al-Hakim tweeted.
He was replying to an inquiry about whether any Iraqis were killed or injured when gunmen attacked worshippers in Christchurch, New Zealand.
"We condemn on behalf of the Iraq Foreign [Ministry] the terrorist act in New Zealand that killed 49 innocent Muslim worshippers and the injury of others ... I had a phone call with the New Zealand Ambassador in Baghdad and expressed Iraq's support and standing by their side against terror in all forms," Hakim added.
The chief executive of the Canterbury District Health Board has said the injured range from young children to adults. They are being treated at Christchurch Hospital, according to AP.
Police have arrested three people in connection with the attacks. One has been charged with murder.
“The KRG very strongly condemns the terrorist and brutal attacks launched on two mosques in New Zealand today,” KRG spokesperson Safeen Dizayee said in a statement.
New Zealand Prime Minister has also described the shootings as an apparent and well-planned "terrorist attack."
“The KRG extends condolences to families of the victims, the people and government of New Zealand,” Dizayee added.
World leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have also condemned the events.