Qubad Talabani Urges Baghdad to Reveal Perpetrators of Drone Attacks on Kurdistan Region

Peregraf

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani on Tuesday called on the federal government in Baghdad to publicly identify and legally punish the groups responsible for recent drone attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region’s oil infrastructure.

Talabani raised the issue during a meeting with Steve Bittner, the U.S. Consul General in the Kurdistan Region. He warned that the ongoing drone attacks not only inflict serious damage on the region’s energy sector but also threaten the overall stability of Iraq.

“These attacks cannot be allowed to continue. They have a direct impact on Iraq’s energy security and economic interests,” Talabani said, urging Baghdad to act swiftly.

Both sides also discussed ways to resolve outstanding disputes between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government. Talabani emphasized the importance of adhering to the constitution and upholding the recent agreement between the two sides regarding the salaries of KRG public employees.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, speaking to the Associated Press on Tuesday, described the drone attacks as “terrorist acts.” He affirmed his government’s cooperation with both Kurdish authorities and international coalition forces to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Kurdistan Region’s Interior Minister Rebar Ahmad, speaking at a joint press conference with Iraq’s National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araaji in Erbil, confirmed that both Erbil and Baghdad have identified the groups behind the attacks. However, he criticized the federal government for failing to take concrete action.

"These groups are known. Investigative committees have drawn conclusions, but no serious measures have been taken," Ahmad said, calling for urgent legal and security responses.

Ahmad warned that the attacks have reduced oil production in the Kurdistan Region below agreed levels, jeopardizing economic stability and contractual obligations with Baghdad.

The remarks came hours after another drone strike hit the Rzgari sub-district in Khabat, west of Erbil. No casualties were reported, but the incident added to the growing number of attacks—over ten since June 30—targeting oilfields and energy sites across Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, and Zakho.

In response, Al-Araaji led a high-level delegation to Erbil, including senior military and intelligence officials. He vowed to pursue justice, stating: “Security forces have the capacity. The law must be applied to all, including those who have been negligent.”

A recent investigation by Peregraf revealed that drone attacks have struck five of the region’s eight active oil contract areas. Several fields have suspended operations due to security threats, causing “substantial material losses,” according to the KRG’s Ministry of Natural Resources.