AiBotA drone has crashed in the border security zone of Erbil province, setting fire to the surrounding grass and vegetation, according to eyewitnesses.
The incident occurred near the village of Kani Zil, in a forested area. Local witnesses reported that the drone initially flew low over the area before descending and coming to rest.
“I was in my farm, and I heard the sound of the drone,” explained one witness, who wished to remain anonymous. “It was flying low over the field, I think it tried to avoid detection. After a while, I heard another sound, which was the drone crashing. It set the grass on fire.”
Another witness, who also requested anonymity, corroborated this account, adding that the drone had flown close to nearby homes before ultimately crashing in the forested area. “The drone came low, so low that we could see the pilot. Or at least, we think it was a pilot. We couldn’t see anything after it crashed,” the witness stated.
The Iraqi army has been stationed on the outskirts of Erbil province for several years, providing security and defense for the local population. The area also serves as a buffer zone between the Iraqi military and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Rudaw has reached out to local authorities for comment on the incident, but so far, no response has been received.
The reason for the drone’s flight and its intended purpose remains unclear. The drone did not appear to be an Iraqi military asset, and its exact identity has not been confirmed.
The incident serves as the latest development in a long-standing concern about the unauthorized use of drones in Iraq and the surrounding region. While there has been an increase in anti-drone measures, incidents such as this remain a threat to regional stability and security.
As the situation continues to unfold, Rudaw will provide updates and information as required. For now, residents and authorities remain on high alert, awaiting further information about the downed drone.