Iraq: Drone attacks continue as investigation unfolds

Drones loaded with explosives were dropped near the city of Erbil, Iraq on July 28th, following the arrival of Iraq’s National Security Adviser, Qasim al-Araji, in Erbil on July 28th, according to The New Arab.

The first drone specifically exploded around 5:50 AM in the sub-district of Rizgari in Erbil, as confirmed by the Counterterrorism Directorate of the Kurdistan Region. This was then followed by the landing of the second drone in the village of Kowsur. A third drone was later dropped in the Hawija district in Kirkuk. There have been no reports of any casualties following these attacks.

These attacks are the most recent developments to the current situation in the Kurdistan Region. During the month of July, more than 20 drone attacks have been recorded in the Kurdistan region. Many drone strikes have targeted oil facilities, such as the recent attack on 3 oil fields In Iraq’s Kurdistan region, on July 16th. This has led to the severe disruption of oil production, which in turn has affected the region’s struggling economy.

The attacks are a significant concern to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and so an investigation into the attacks has been delegated. The federal delegation which is working to identify the perpetrator behind the attacks, is being led by the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, Qais al-Muhammadawi. No group has yet come forward to claim responsibility for the attacks.

The federal delegation was ordered by the KRG’s Minister of Interior, Reber Ahmed. Concerning the investigation, Ahmed stated that he hopes “this time will be different,” as the “attacks have happened repeatedly,” and previous committees have failed to successfully investigate the attacks. 

The Iraqi government has been facing international pressure, including pressure from the US, due to the government not being able to identify the group responsible for the attacks. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has faced scrutiny from the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, because the attacks have affected US-linked energy assets. According to a Kurdish source, Rubio used “forceful language” during the call with al-Sudani. 

The source has also confirmed that there is a wide belief that the drone strikes have been conducted by Iran-tied militias, with the intention of punishing Erbil following its deals with US firms for oil and gas. The drone strikes have targeted US-affiliated areas. This has been seen in previous drone strikes in Iraqi Kurdistan, such as on US-operated oil fields  and at an airport housing US troops.

The New Arab, Maghrebi.org