Drone attacks on oil fields in Iraq’s Kurdish region shut down another facility
IRAQI KURDISTAN, IRAQ, JUL 16 – Explosions and drone strikes forced suspension of over 200,000 barrels per day, worsening tensions between Baghdad and Kurdistan amid disputes over oil exports and militia activities.
- On July 16, 2025, drone attacks targeted multiple oil fields in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, forcing temporary shutdowns including the Sarsang field operated by US firm HKN Energy.
- The attacks followed a week of escalating strikes by explosive-laden drones amid rising tensions between Kurdistan authorities and Baghdad, with the Kurdish government blaming Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Forces.
- Norway's DNO temporarily halted operations at the Tawke and Peshkabir oilfields following drone attacks that caused damage early Wednesday near Zakho, while a separate drone strike targeted a Hunt Oil facility in Dohuk province.
- DNO stated a damage assessment is underway and expects to resume production after completion, while the Kurdish Ministry of Natural Resources called for federal intervention citing threats to economic infrastructure.
- These strikes underscore broader regional proxy conflicts involving Iran-backed militias and the US presence in Iraq, heightening risks to energy infrastructure and stability in the Kurdistan region.
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50 Articles
US, UK condemn drone attacks targeting energy sites in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region
The US and UK Embassies in Baghdad have issued statements regarding recent drone attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. “The United States condemns the recent drone attacks throughout Iraq, including the July 14 and July 15 drone attacks on critical infrastructure at the Khormala and Sarsang oil fields in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region,” the US said on July 15. Drone attacks continued on July 16 and 17. Officials in the autonomous Kurdistan
Drone hits oil field in Iraq's Kurdistan for second day
Arbil, Iraq (AFP) July 17, 2025 A drone loaded with explosives struck an oil field in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region on Thursday, Kurdish forces said - the second attack in two days on the Norwegian-operated site. "At 10:55 am (0755 GMT) a new attack by an explosives-laden drone hit" the DNO-operated Tawke field in Zakho disrict, Kurdistan's counterterrorism services said. No casualties or damage were reported.
Drones attack Iraqi Kurdistan oilfields for fourth day
BAGHDAD - Drones struck oilfields in Iraqi Kurdistan on Thursday, with officials pointing to Iran-backed militias as the likely source of attacks this week that have slashed the region's oil output by more than half. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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