A Turkish national who worked at the consulate was also killed in the attack, said Turkish Foreign Ministry in a statement on Wednesday.

At least three people, including a Turkish diplomat working in Turkey's consulate to Erbil, have been killed in the shooting according to security officials.

The shooting took place at the HuQQabaz restaurant on the Airport Road said local sources.

Several paramedics and security forces were dispatched to the scene after the attack.

Entering Erbil and leaving the city was blocked by security forces.

"This afternoon (17 July 2019), an official of our Consulate General in Erbil has been martyred as a result of a heinous attack, while he was outside of our Consulate compound," said Turkish Foreign Ministry.

Ministry also said that they have requested the Iraqi and regional authorities to find the perpetrators of the attack swiftly.

ILKHA