Iraqi militia says 'will target all French interests' after carrier deployment

The pro-Iranian armed group Ashab al-Kahf said it would target all French interests in Iraq and the region following the deployment of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the Gulf, AFP reported.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the Iraqi group warned that French military facilities would be under attack starting Friday night.

The group urged civilians to stay at least 500 meters away from a base in Iraqi Kurdistan where French troops are stationed.

The threat came after an attack in the Erbil region that killed one French soldier and wounded several others, though the group did not directly claim responsibility.