AiBotIraq has recently seen increased incidents of aerial strikes, some attributed to foreign entities and others with unclear motivations. On March 16, a commercial drone attack on a compound housing Iranian opposition group Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq’s rival, Kata’ib al-Imam Ali, in the Iraq Kurdish region of Sulaymaniyah, left no reported casualties and minimal damage.
According to information available, eyewitness accounts suggest the incident occurred at approximately 11:00 AM local time. As it is an ongoing investigation, authorities are still determining the exact extent of damage.
Sulaymaniyah Governor Omer Said Arif issued a statement indicating the attack originated from across the Iranian border. ‘It is quite possible that the explosion was a result of drone activity originating from the territory of Iran,’ he explained.
However, an Iranian foreign affairs spokesperson has denied involvement in the drone attack when approached by journalists. There has been ongoing tension between Iran and various Iranian opposition forces within the region since 1979. As such, the incident is viewed within an existing context of regional animosity.
While the Iranian government was quick to refute allegations of involvement in the strike, sources from Iraq’s regional government claim intelligence suggests links to groups associated with, but not necessarily affiliated with, the Iranian government.
While this attack occurred outside Iran, regional politics have been under significant strain, driven by long-standing animosity between Tehran and various opposition and government entities in the region.