Iraqi businessman Dizayee killed with daughter on her 1st birthday in Iranian attack in Erbil

By Heman Hussein Yaseen

ERBIL, Iraq (AA) – Iraqi businessman Peshraw Dizayee, and his one-year-old daughter Zhina were killed in an overnight missile attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on their home in Erbil, northern Iraq.

The IRGC launched a barrage of missiles in Iraq and Syria, one of which struck Dizayee's home at 11.30 p.m. local time (2030 GMT). The attack destroyed his home, and efforts are underway to clear debris.

He was a prominent figure in Erbil, known for spearheading significant projects in areas such as oil, technology, and construction.

Dizayee gained recognition for completing the Empire World construction project in Erbil, which was emphasized by Iraq’s Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) President Nechirvan Barzani.

Through his company Falcon Group, the Iraqi businessman operated in various sectors, including construction, oil, natural gas, technology, agriculture, cosmetics, and security.

Dizayee's name was also associated with the Development Road Project, which sought to connect Iraq to Europe via Türkiye. It was reported that the businessman aspired to play a role in the Iraqi segment of this significant project.

Before the attack, he hosted a celebration at his home for his daughter Zhina's first birthday on Jan. 25, which also became her last, and invited his close friend Iraqi Christian businessman Karam Mikhail.

In the attack, Erbil-born 61-year-old Dizayee, his daughter Zhina, and businessman Mikhail were killed, while Dizayee's wife and two other children sustained injuries.

- Ballistic missile attacks on Erbil

Earlier, the KRG Security Council said in a statement that the IRCG fired ballistic missiles at various civilian settlements in Erbil last night, killing four civilians and injuring six others.

The Iraqi government in a separate statement also condemned Iran's attacks as an act of aggression and a violation of its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the IRGC said in a statement issued in Tehran that it had fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at positions of "terrorist groups" in Syria and Iraq late Monday.

The IRGC claimed to have destroyed the local headquarters of the Israeli spy agency Mossad in Erbil.