Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Attack on Gas Field in Iraqi Kurdistan Creates Widespread Disruption

Overview of the Incident

A recent attack involving an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck the Kormor gas field in the Sulaymaniyah region of Iraqi Kurdistan, as reported by various news outlets, including Reuters. The incident occurred on Wednesday and resulted in significant damage, including a major fire that injured several workers on-site.

Impact on Energy Supplies and Infrastructure

According to officials from the region’s Ministries of Natural Resources and Electricity, operations at the gas field have been halted due to the attack. Preliminary assessments indicate that the incident has caused substantial electricity outages across northern Iraq, with complete halts to gas supplies for power stations in the area. The Ministry of Electricity has projected a potential loss of approximately 3,000 megawatts of electrical generation capacity as a result of the disruptions.

Firefighting and Recovery Efforts

Fire crews are actively working to contain the ongoing blaze, which was reported to have originated from a central gas storage facility. An engineer at the site conveyed to Reuters that repair work on the damaged gas storage could take between two to three days. Witnesses noted that the UAV had a direct impact on the storage facility, causing extensive damage, with smoke visible from the site.

Government and Security Response

The Iraqi government’s security media cell described the event as a “despicable terrorist attack,” which ignited a fire at the central storage tank but thankfully did not result in fatalities. The authorities have pledged to pursue those responsible for the attack.

While the specific perpetrators remain unidentified, local security sources highlighted that this was the second UAV attack targeting the gas field in just a few days. Additionally, Kurdish security forces had previously fired at a UAV attempting to enter the area late start night.

Historical Context

The Kormor gas field has been a target of previous attacks, including a tragic incident in April 2024 that resulted in the deaths of four Yemeni workers due to a prior UAV strike.

Conclusion

This recent attack underscores the growing volatility in the region, particularly concerning its energy infrastructure. As investigations continue, the immediate priority remains addressing the damages and restoring power supplies to affected areas in northern Iraq.

In light of ongoing instability, those traveling to or residing in the region may consider securing accommodations in nearby areas. You can explore hotel options and book your stay through Booking.com.