A high-level Iraqi security delegation has arrived in Erbil to investigate a surge of drone attacks that have recently targeted the Kurdistan Region’s oil infrastructure and key security sites. Their arrival comes after Baghdad strongly condemned the assaults and pledged swift action.
The delegation, made up of intelligence and Joint Operations officers, landed in Erbil on Saturday. They plan to visit several oil fields and meet with Kurdistan Regional Government officials to assess the damage and gather information. Their mission focuses on more than 20 drone attacks that struck the region during July.
A member of the delegation said that the investigation will take time. He emphasized the need for a careful and complete review of all incidents. The goal is to identify the source of the attacks and prevent future threats.
Earlier in the week, Iraq’s National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji led another delegation to Erbil. He met with KRG Minister of Interior Rebar Ahmed. Following the meeting, both sides condemned the attacks. Al-Araji declared that those behind the drone strikes would face justice.
Since early July, at least nine oil sites have come under attack. These include Khurmala, Khor Mor, Atrush, Sarsink, Bai Hassan, Peshkhabur, Tawke, and several Hunt Oil-operated fields. Additional strikes hit security installations and airports across the region.
The repeated drone strikes have alarmed both local and federal officials. They threaten vital energy production and damage the region’s economy and stability. As investigations continue, officials from both governments stress the importance of cooperation.
The Kurdistan Region plays a critical role in energy production. Any disruption not only affects the local population but also impacts international partners. Both Baghdad and Erbil are under growing pressure to secure vital infrastructure and hold attackers accountable.