DRONE ATTACKS HIT OIL FIELDS IN IRAQ’S KURDISH REGION, SHUTTING FACILITIES
A series of drone attacks struck key oil facilities in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, forcing the suspension of operations and raising concerns over energy security and regional stability. The strikes, which occurred late Sunday night, targeted infrastructure near the city of Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, and caused significant damage, prompting emergency shutdowns at multiple oil fields.
Kurdish security officials reported that at least four drones were involved in the coordinated assault, hitting areas around the Khurmala and Khabat oil fields. These fields are operated under the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and form a vital part of Iraq’s oil exports. Though no casualties were immediately confirmed, the impact on production has been substantial, with output from several facilities temporarily halted.
The origin of the drones remains unclear, but regional experts suspect the involvement of Iran-backed militias, who have previously carried out similar operations targeting U.S. forces and economic infrastructure in northern Iraq. Some analysts believe the attacks could be a response to the growing alignment between the KRG and Western powers, particularly in the energy and security sectors.
Iraqi federal authorities in Baghdad condemned the attacks, calling them a “blatant act of sabotage” that threatens national economic interests and regional stability. The Ministry of Oil confirmed the shutdown of operations in affected zones and stated that teams were working to assess the damage and restore functionality as soon as possible.
The KRG also issued a strong response, with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani accusing “hostile external forces” of attempting to undermine the region’s autonomy and economic viability. “This is an attack not only on the Kurdistan Region but on Iraq’s oil sector as a whole,” he said. He called for increased international support to strengthen the region’s defense capabilities and to investigate the source of the drones.
The attacks come amid a broader period of political uncertainty and tension between Baghdad and Erbil over oil revenues, control of exports, and budget allocations. The disruption of Kurdish oil output — which constitutes a significant portion of Iraq’s national income — could exacerbate these tensions and impact global oil markets, particularly if further strikes occur.
International responses have been swift. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) condemned the attacks and urged all parties to avoid actions that could escalate violence. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad also released a statement expressing concern over the use of drone warfare in Iraq, which has grown increasingly common in recent years.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, the attacks bear the hallmarks of Iranian-aligned paramilitary groups who oppose Kurdish ties with Western energy firms and autonomy from Baghdad. The use of drones — a tactic increasingly employed in modern asymmetric warfare — highlights the growing threat to critical infrastructure across the Middle East.
As investigations continue and oil output remains suspended in key areas, the attacks underscore the fragility of Iraq’s security environment and the vulnerability of vital economic infrastructure in volatile regions. For now, both Kurdish and Iraqi officials are urging calm while seeking international cooperation to prevent further escalation.