Rising Concerns in Iraqi Kurdistan: Drone Attacks Shake Peace in the Region
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Trouble is brewing in the heart of Iraqi Kurdistan as reports emerge of two drone attacks on a region’s security forces military base. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) pointed fingers at “outlaws” funded by Baghdad, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. The targeted military base, nestled in Erbil province, saw some damage, but the silver lining is that no lives were lost, according to a government release on Sunday.
The Peshmerga forces, standing shoulder to shoulder with the US-led anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq, found themselves in the crosshairs. Despite the lack of immediate claims, a noticeable spike in assaults on US forces and allies in Iraq and Syria has been witnessed since the Israel-Hamas conflict flared up on October 7.
Adding to the mix, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-supported armed groups fighting against US support for Israel, boldly claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Arbil airport. The local authorities managed to thwart the drone, boosting their defenses. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, expressing his deep concern, condemned the attack and called out the “outlaws” behind it in a straightforward manner.
In a separate incident, the KRG sounded the alarm, announcing that two explosive-laden drones zeroed in on a Peshmerga base in Erbil province’s Pirmam. While the attack left behind material damage, it thankfully spared lives. The KRG, not mincing words, held the Iraqi federal government responsible, accusing groups with ties to the government of orchestrating these “cowardly attacks.”
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stepped up the rhetoric, calling for tangible measures against the “outlaws.” He emphasized that the federal government should perceive an attack on the Kurdistan Region as a direct hit on all of Iraq. The KRG now eagerly anticipates decisive action from Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani Prime Minister of Iraq, against those responsible.
In the aftermath of the drone onslaught, Sudani swiftly directed Iraqi security services to launch a full-fledged investigation, joining forces with their Kurdish counterparts. The Kurdistan Region Presidency voiced its condemnation of the attacks on the Peshmerga base, urging the Iraqi federal government to get serious about bringing the perpetrators to justice.
This series of events unfolds against the backdrop of a barrage of attacks on US interests in Iraq and Syria, primarily from Iran-aligned militia groups responding to American support for Israel during the Gaza conflict. The region is still in the danger zone, as the Iraqi government shows its commitment to safeguarding diplomatic missions. Track down those responsible for attacks against American interests.
In a separate twist, defense systems successfully destroyed an armed drone over air base Ain Assad in western Iraq, which houses both US and international forces. This comes hot on the heels of another incident where a drone met its demise over Irbil airport, underscoring the prevailing security concerns gripping the region.
