A massive drone strike has plunged northern Iraq into darkness, halting operations at one of the region’s most vital gas fields and cutting off power to millions. The attack sparked a major fire and left cities across the Kurdish region struggling with widespread blackouts.
What Happened
A drone targeted the Khor Mor gas field late Wednesday, striking storage tanks and igniting a large fire. The facility, which supplies most of the Kurdistan region’s power, was forced to shut down completely, cutting off gas flows to electricity stations.
Local authorities confirmed that the attack caused no fatalities, but several workers were injured. Emergency crews battled the blaze through the night, while engineers began assessing the damage to critical infrastructure.
This marks the second attempted strike on the facility in just days, with security forces having intercepted a drone targeting the site earlier in the week.
Why It Matters
The Khor Mor gas field is a cornerstone of Iraq’s energy infrastructure, fueling power plants that serve major cities like Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. The shutdown has led to a loss of roughly 3,000 megawatts of electricity, disrupting 80 percent of the region’s power grid.
Residents are now facing severe electricity shortages, with many left without power for essential services. The outage comes at a time when the region is already grappling with economic instability and ongoing security challenges.
The attack is seen as a direct threat to Iraq’s economic stability and national security, with officials warning it could worsen the country’s chronic energy crisis.
Key Details
The strike occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. local time, targeting the main storage tanks at the facility. The resulting explosion and fire caused extensive damage, and engineers estimate repairs could take several days.
Teams from the regional natural resources and electricity ministries, along with personnel from Dana Gas—the company operating the field—are working to stabilize the situation and restore operations.
Broader Context
- The Khor Mor complex has been attacked multiple times in recent years, often by unclaimed drone strikes.
- Earlier this year, a similar attack killed four Yemeni workers at the site.
- The region has seen a surge in unclaimed drone attacks against oil and gas infrastructure, raising concerns about ongoing regional tensions.
No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, but Iraqi and Kurdish officials have pointed to Iranian-backed militias as likely perpetrators.
What Comes Next
Authorities have vowed to track down those responsible and prevent future attacks on critical infrastructure. Security forces are on high alert, and investigations are underway to determine the origin of the drone and the motives behind the strike.
Restoration of gas supplies and electricity is expected to take days, with officials warning of continued power cuts in the meantime. The incident highlights the vulnerability of Iraq’s energy sector and the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
As the region works to recover, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to Iraq’s stability and the importance of safeguarding its vital resources.
