Multiple oilfields in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region have suspended operations following a series of drone attacks that targeted key energy infrastructure, regional officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The drone strikes, which occurred over the past 48 hours, reportedly hit facilities near the cities of Erbil and Dohuk, causing minor damage but prompting emergency shutdowns at several production sites as a precautionary measure. No casualties have been reported, but local authorities are on high alert as the investigation continues.
The impacted fields are operated by a mix of international and regional oil companies, and while the full extent of the disruption is still being assessed, industry sources say the output loss could reach tens of thousands of barrels per dayif operations remain halted for an extended period.
“Security teams are currently evaluating the damage and coordinating with government forces to ensure the safety of staff and infrastructure,” said an official from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
No group has claimed responsibility for the drone attacks, though tensions in the region have escalated amid ongoing disputes between the federal government in Baghdad and Kurdish authorities over energy revenues and control.
The disruption is likely to further complicate Kurdistan’s strained oil export routes, especially with the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline still offline due to previous political disagreements and technical issues.
Global oil markets have not yet reacted significantly, but analysts warn that any sustained attacks on infrastructure in Kurdistan—a key hub for independent crude exports—could trigger volatility, especially if geopolitical tensions continue to escalate in the broader region.
As security sweeps continue, the KRG has called for international support to protect critical energy assets and prevent further destabilization of the region’s oil sector.
