Finland censures missile strikes in Iraq

Finland on Wednesday has strongly condemned the missile attacks by Iran on the US air base in Iraq late Tuesday night.

President Sauli Niinistö and Prime Minister Sanna Marin in separate statements criticized the attacks and asked the Iranian authority to issue clarification in this regard.

“Finland condemns the missile attacks launched by Iran which also target the peace-keeping troops in the region. The international community needs to make every effort to break the circle of violence,” said Niinistö in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Although no information is currently available that the strikes would have claimed any lives, the Finnish personnel engaged in crisis management operations in the region are safe, said the President.

“Finland stays in close contact with the other countries involved in the operations to assess the implications of the situation,” the statement added.

Finnish troops are serving at the Erbil base targeted by the strikes. Finland expects the Iranian authorities to issue a full report of Iran’s actions, said the President.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who is now on a state visit to Sweden in a twitter post also condemned the attacks.

“Finland condemns the missile attacks by Iran and wants explanation of the actions. We must ensure security of Finnish troops. The issue will be also be discussed with Prime Minister ( of Sweden) Stefan Löfven during (my) visit,” said the Prime Minister.