Iraq: Drone Laden with Explosives Shot Down Near Erbil Airport Without Casualties

Yesterday evening, Thursday, July 4th, the Counter-Terrorism Department in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq announced the downing of a drone laden with explosives near Erbil International Airport in the northern part of the country, without any human or material losses.

Two security sources confirmed that the operation was successful without any injuries, while an official statement indicated that the airport houses a base for the U.S.-led international coalition to combat ISIS.

This incident comes in the context of a noticeable escalation of drone attacks in various areas of Iraq. On July 1st, three unidentified projectiles fell near Kirkuk International Airport at 11:30 PM, according to an official statement from the airport administration, which did not result in any injuries.

On June 18th, the Counter-Terrorism Department in Kurdistan Region of Iraq announced the destruction of an explosive-laden drone near the village of Sharawa in the vicinity of Erbil, after it was detected based on precise intelligence information.

On June 24th, U.S. forces in Iraq intercepted five attack drones targeting bases near Baghdad Airport, while two drones crashed near a base in Erbil within two consecutive days. These attacks caused damage to radar systems at Taji and the southern Iraqi base, without any injuries reported.

The increasing frequency of these attacks reflects an escalation in the use of explosive-laden drones as a means to target sensitive sites, especially those hosting international military presence, amid complex security conditions in the country.

Security authorities in Kurdistan Region and Iraq continue to enhance their capabilities in monitoring and intercepting these threats, in cooperation with international partners.