On August 17, two explosive-laden drones targeted the private office of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of the head of the Kurdistan Region’s Security and Intelligence Agency in the Erbil Governorate.
According to the Kurdistan Region Counter-Terrorism Directorate, the Hadid-110 drones were launched from across the Iranian border shortly after midnight. No casualties were reported.
Prime Minister Barzani strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region.
“These attacks will not deter us from carrying out our duties and protecting our citizens,” the Prime Minister said.
The August 17 incident was the latest in a series of drone and missile attacks affecting the Kurdistan Region amid heightened regional tensions. In the days preceding the attack, four drones crashed in areas of Soran, Khalifan, and Hareer on August 12, causing property damage and sparking a fire on Bani Hareer Mountain. On August 14, Coalition forces intercepted three explosive-laden drones over Erbil. No casualties were reported in either incident.
Baghdad Responds
The August 17 attack prompted a strong response from Iraq’s federal government.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi spoke with Prime Minister Barzani and condemned the attack, stressing that the security of the Kurdistan Region is inseparable from Iraq’s national security. The federal government also announced an investigation and pledged to pursue those responsible.
The Kurdistan Regional Government has continued to coordinate with Baghdad while reiterating that the Kurdistan Region is not a party to the ongoing regional conflict. Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed said the KRG has sought clarification from Iran regarding the attacks and emphasized that the Kurdistan Region does not seek confrontation with neighboring countries.
More than 90 members of Iraq’s Council of Representatives also called for an emergency parliamentary session, expressing solidarity with the people of the Kurdistan Region and condemning attacks on Iraqi territory.
International Partners Condemn the Attacks
The attack drew condemnation from the United States and other international partners.
US Special Presidential Envoy for Syria and Iraq, Ambassador Tom Barrack, strongly condemned the strike, describing Prime Minister Barzani as a valued Kurdish partner and warning that attacks against the Kurdistan Region threaten regional stability. He also reaffirmed US support for Iraq’s sovereignty and for ensuring that weapons and security forces remain under state authority.
The United Kingdom, Canada, and European representatives similarly condemned the attack and called for de-escalation and the protection of peace and stability in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
The Kurdistan Regional Government continues to emphasize that the Region should not be drawn into conflicts beyond its borders. It has called on the federal government and international partners to uphold Iraq’s sovereignty, protect the people of the Kurdistan Region, and safeguard critical civilian and economic infrastructure.
