‘We and Baghdad Know the Source, the Route, and the Goal’: Kurdistan Interior Minister on Drone Attacks

Peregraf

Kurdistan Region’s Interior Minister Rebar Ahmad said today that a joint technical committee with Baghdad is actively working to determine which Iraqi groups are behind the ongoing drone attacks on the Kurdistan Region. Speaking at a press conference, he said both Erbil and Baghdad already know who is responsible, but action has yet to be taken.

“A technical committee between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad is working to determine which Iraqi groups are carrying out the drones and which groups have such drones,” Ahmad said. “We know, and the Iraqi government knows, what groups have such drones, and have previously directed them toward the Kurdistan Region. We know where they were made, how they came, and what the purpose of these attacks is.”

Ahmad expressed hope that the joint security committee would “prepare a fair report, announce the results, and punish those behind the attacks.” However, he criticized Baghdad’s failure to act on previous findings.

His remarks follow a joint press conference held on July 28 in Erbil with Iraq’s National Security Advisor Qassim al-Araaji, during which Ahmad confirmed that the drone attacks were not random and that “the groups that carry out drone attacks on the Kurdistan Region have been exposed by us and the Iraqi government.” He added that legal and security measures “must be taken” against them.

“These committees have already reached conclusions,” Ahmad said, “but no steps have been taken to stop these groups.”

Since June 30, more than ten drone-related incidents have been reported across Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, and Zakho. Most attacks have targeted vital oilfields and energy infrastructure, prompting concern over escalating insecurity in the region.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Natural Resources reported “substantial material losses” due to the attacks. A Peregraf investigation found that five of the region’s eight active oil contract areas—covering nine oilfields—have been targeted. Some fields have been forced to halt operations altogether, with officials citing security risks as a primary cause.

Despite repeated calls for accountability, and the formation of several investigative committees, no individuals or groups have been officially named or prosecuted. The Kurdistan Region continues to urge Baghdad to act on the intelligence gathered and prevent further attacks that threaten the region’s economy and stability.

The Interior Minister’s comments have renewed pressure on federal authorities to move from investigation to enforcement.