Kurdistan Region Interior Minister Reber Ahmed said Baghdad has not taken practical steps to compensate victims of recent attacks. He said the federal government received a detailed damage assessment but has provided only assurances.
Ahmed made the remarks Tuesday while discussing security, energy production, customs reforms, and air defense cooperation. He said repeated missile and drone attacks continue to affect civilian life and economic activity across the Kurdistan Region.
The KRG prepared a detailed report documenting the damage caused by the attacks and submitted it to Baghdad. However, Ahmed said federal authorities have yet to introduce concrete compensation measures.
Meanwhile, the minister linked security concerns to the suspension of oil production by several foreign companies. He said international energy firms need stronger guarantees before restarting their operations.
Ahmed urged Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to address threats against the Region and its energy infrastructure. In his view, improved security remains essential for restoring investor confidence and restarting production.
The issue carries wider economic consequences because oil remains a major source of government revenue. Therefore, production disruptions could affect both Kurdistan Region finances and Iraq’s broader energy sector.
Ahmed also said discussions are continuing over the acquisition of air defense and counter-drone systems. Meanwhile, meetings have involved private companies, KRG officials, and the Iraqi Army’s Chief of Staff.
According to Ahmed, another meeting could take place in Baghdad soon. However, he added that importing defensive equipment remains complicated, although Baghdad has indicated support for the process.
The federal government has acknowledged that it cannot immediately provide complete protection for targeted energy facilities. Consequently, authorities have discussed allowing companies to import defensive systems with government coordination.
Ahmed also announced progress on the ASYCUDA customs system between Erbil and Baghdad. He said both sides had reached an agreement to implement the system and remove unauthorized checkpoints.
Under the agreement, customs revenues would reportedly follow an equal 50/50 distribution between the two sides. Ahmed said the system should simplify procedures, support trade, and encourage commercial activity.
Furthermore, he called for removing unauthorized checkpoints between Iraqi cities and the Kurdistan Region. According to Ahmed, such checkpoints create additional costs for travelers and traders.
Ahmed also discussed the next phase of Iraq’s relationship with the international coalition. He said cooperation would increasingly shift toward direct bilateral partnerships after the coalition’s military mission concludes.
Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Region continues to prioritize security and economic stability. Therefore, compensation, energy protection, and stronger defensive capabilities remain central issues for Erbil.