AiBotErbil, Kurdistan Region – Tensions between Iraq and Iran escalated on Wednesday with reports of two Iranian-made Hadid-110 explosive drones targeting high-profile officials in the Kurdistan Region’s capital, Erbil.
According to eyewitnesses and official sources, the drones struck the private office of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of the region’s intelligence chief in Pirmam district earlier today. However, despite the brazen attack, no casualties or damage were reported.
Details of the incident are still emerging, but it is believed that the drones were launched from Iranian territory and crossed into Kurdish airspace undetected. The attack comes at a time of increasing friction between Iraq and Iran, with Baghdad calling on Tehran to respect its sovereignty and end support for Iranian-backed militias in the country.
Kurdistan Region officials have been vocal in their criticism of Iran’s meddling in the region’s affairs and have accused Tehran of attempting to undermine the region’s political institutions. The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) has also expressed support for Baghdad’s efforts to address Iran’s influence in Iraq.
The incident has sparked widespread concern in Erbil, with many calling for enhanced security measures to protect against potential further attacks. “This is a serious escalation of tensions and we need to be prepared for any possibility,” said a senior KRG official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
While the attack on Prime Minister Barzani’s office and the intelligence chief’s residence is seen as a significant escalation, it is unclear what specific motivations drove the Iranian drones to target these specific locations. The use of drones for this type of operation is believed to be a relatively new tactic employed by Iranian forces, and analysts have speculated that Tehran may be seeking to test the Kurdistan Region’s defenses and push its authority in the region.
The situation remains fluid, with the KRG and Baghdad working closely to address the situation and prevent further escalation. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, and officials have called for restraint on all sides to prevent a wider conflict.