Oil production at the Tawke and Qadia oil fields near Zakho has been suspended following drone attacks. The strikes temporarily halted operations and caused a fire that remained uncontrolled for several hours.
According to a source at the Tawke field, the attacks occurred between 06:00 and 07:00 local time during a shift change. Workers were prevented from entering the facilities and had to return home for safety.
“The commanders and employees who were on site remained at their posts, but production at both fields has fully stopped,” the official said. “The fire has not yet been brought under control.”
The drone attack involved three armed drones, targeting key infrastructure at both Tawke and Qadia fields near the Zakho city border. The strikes have disrupted oil extraction and delayed production schedules, raising concerns over supply in the region.
Both fields are operated by Norwegian company DNO, a major international player in northern Iraq’s oil sector. The company has not yet reported any casualties, but local officials are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further damage.
Security and oil officials are investigating the origin of the drones and assessing the extent of the damage. The attack highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the region’s oil infrastructure and underscores the potential risks posed by unmanned aerial attacks to energy production.
Analysts note that even short-term disruptions at Tawke and Qadia can affect regional oil output and delivery schedules. The KRG and DNO are reportedly coordinating efforts to contain the fire and resume operations as soon as possible.
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and increased use of drone technology in attacks on critical infrastructure. Local authorities have urged caution and increased security measures around all oil fields to prevent similar incidents in the future.