ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The United States ambassador to Iraq met with top Kurdistan Region officials on Wednesday to offer support in the aftermath of the rocket attacks on Erbil earlier in the month.

US Ambassador Matthew Tueller held meetings with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and Interior Minister Rebar Ahmad on Wednesday.

“The meetings covered a range of issues, including US support to the KRG and federal Iraqi government in the wake of the February 15 rocket attacks in Erbil,” reads a statement from the US Consulate General in Erbil.

“Ambassador Tueller also emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and the press, noting that the US remains committed to working with the KRG and civil society on the issue and in ensuring a strong relationship with the Biden administration,” it added.

Fourteen rockets were fired at the Kurdistan Region capital of Erbil on February 15. One civilian contractor was killed in the attack, and another died of their wounds on Monday.

A comparatively unknown militant group by the name of Saraya Awlia al-Dam (Guardians of Blood Brigades) claimed responsibility for the Erbil attack.

US and Iraqi officials have told AFP they believe such factions to be “smokescreen” entities for more prominent pro-Iran groups including Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq.

The meetings covered a variety of other topics, such as the Shingal (Sinjar) agreement, the return of IDPs to their homes, and budget negotiations with the federal government.

“The President reiterated that the Kurdistan Region is willing to maintain a strong and active relation with the Federal Government of Iraq and expressed readiness to resolve the disputes in accordance with the spirit and letter of the country’s constitution,” reads a statement from the President’s office.

Rudaw