Iraqi Presidency Condemns Drone Strikes on Kurdistan Oil Fields as 'Terrorist Attacks'

Peregraf

The Presidency of the Republic of Iraq has condemned the recent wave of drone attacks on key oil installations in the Kurdistan Region, labeling them “terrorist acts” and calling for urgent measures to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In an official statement, the presidency denounced the targeting of the Khurmala oil field in Erbil and the Sarsang field in Duhok, as well as other sites across the region. “The recurrence of these blatant attacks threatens the country’s security and stability, weakens the economy, and represents a direct targeting of the state’s public interests and a threat to the safety of its citizens,” the statement read.

The presidency urged security institutions in both the federal and regional governments to take immediate action to prevent the escalation of such incidents, calling for increased protection of economic infrastructure and a stable environment for investment companies operating in Iraq.

Since June 30, at least 11 drone-related incidents have been reported across the Kurdistan Region, including confirmed strikes and drone shoot-downs in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Zakho. Strategic targets have included oil and gas fields, military installations, and even civilian areas such as refugee camps—raising alarm over the deteriorating security situation and the impact on civilian life.

The most serious escalation came within a 48-hour window. On the evening of July 14, two drones struck the Khurmala oil field in Erbil, damaging infrastructure. Just hours later, at 7:00 a.m. on July 15, a drone attack on the Sarsang field in Duhok province caused a major explosion, forcing operator HKN Energy to suspend production.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Natural Resources condemned the attacks, calling them acts of terrorism targeting the region’s economic lifelines. “We urge immediate protection of strategic assets,” the ministry said, demanding that Baghdad take responsibility for safeguarding national infrastructure.

International concern is also mounting. The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil issued a sharply worded statement condemning the July 14 and 15 strikes, describing them as attacks on “critical infrastructure” and warning that such acts “undermine Iraq’s sovereignty” and discourage foreign investment. The consulate called on the Iraqi government to investigate and hold perpetrators accountable.

“The Government of Iraq must exercise its authority to prevent armed actors from launching these attacks within its own territory, particularly against sites where Iraqi and international companies have invested in Iraq’s future,” the U.S. statement said.

With tensions escalating and the frequency of drone attacks increasing, pressure is mounting on Baghdad to demonstrate its ability to maintain security and uphold its obligations to both domestic and international stakeholders.