The November 26 drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field served as a stark reminder of the persistent security threats facing the Kurdistan Region and the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure. As one of the Region’s most vital energy facilities, Khor Mor plays a central role in electricity generation and economic stability, making its protection essential to the well-being of millions of residents.
The timing of the attack, during the US Thanksgiving holiday, underscored the immediacy of these challenges. The Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States remained fully active, engaging counterparts across the US government, Congress, and the policy community to ensure sustained attention on the attack and its broader implications.
The KRG has made significant progress in recent years in expanding electricity access and stabilizing energy supply. Prior to the attack, the Runaki 24-hour electricity initiative provided 4.5 million residents with power, more than 70 percent of the Kurdistan Region. Repeated attacks on energy infrastructure, however, threaten to undermine these gains and disrupt daily life for citizens. The Khor Mor incident reinforced long-standing calls from Kurdish leadership for stronger protective measures, including enhanced counter-drone and air defense capabilities, to deter future attacks and protect civilian facilities.
In the days following the attack, US officials publicly condemned the strike and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Iraq’s sovereignty and stability, including a strong and secure Kurdistan Region. Senior US diplomats and defense officials continued coordination with Kurdish authorities, signaling that engagement at the highest levels remains a priority.
After the attack, the KRG–US Representation stepped up advocacy and engagement across the executive branch, Congress, think tanks, and the private sector to underline a clear point: attacks on critical infrastructure are part of a wider effort to undermine stability and deter investment, not isolated incidents.
The Khor Mor attack also sharpened attention on the need for lasting security in the Kurdistan Region. Protecting energy facilities is essential not just for safety, but for economic growth, investor confidence, and regional stability. This will require stronger defensive capabilities and closer coordination among Erbil, Baghdad, and international partners.
The KRG Representation in Washington carried this work forward with added urgency. The attack underscored that progress depends on constant attention and sustained engagement. U.S. partners remain central to ensuring that security, stability, and economic resilience move forward together, without pause.
