Title: Mysterious Drone Incidents Over Iraq Spark Security Concerns – Diplomatic Efforts Underway
Drones Crash in Sulaymaniyah Amid Rising Tensions
In a recent escalation of drone activity over Iraq, two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) crashed in Sulaymaniyah, accompanied by explosions, according to security sources in the Kurdistan Region.
Colonel Salam Abdul-Khaliq, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Security Council, confirmed the incident, stating, “Two drones crashed moments ago in the Tasluja area of Sulaymaniyah. Specialized security teams have been dispatched to investigate.” He emphasized that no casualties were reported.
Another security source told Shafaq News that the drones were intercepted by forces affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). One UAV reportedly crashed near a PUK military site, raising further questions about the origin and intent of the flights.
Iraqi Parliament to Address Drone Attacks in Emergency Session
Ali Al-Bandawi, a member of Iraq’s Security and Defense Committee, announced that the committee will hold a “critical meeting” next week to address the recurring drone strikes targeting military and civilian sites across Iraq.
“Following recent violations of Iraqi airspace and an attack on the Al-Taji airbase’s radar system, the committee has decided to convene an extraordinary session after the 10th of Muharram,” Al-Bandawi stated. Government officials and defense representatives will be summoned to provide answers.
The latest incidents include an attempted strike on Kirkuk Airport and the Baiiji refinery in Salahuddin, where Iraqi air defenses successfully downed an unidentified drone. Security alerts were raised, and readiness levels increased at key northern installations.
Investigations Launched Amid Heightened Security Measures
Authorities have formed a high-level committee to investigate the attacks in Kirkuk and Baiiji. Meanwhile, Ribwar Taha, Governor of Kirkuk, confirmed the establishment of a specialized team to probe a missile strike on the city’s airport, which occurred after reports of ISIS-linked casualties.
Earlier, on June 24, two drones breached Baghdad’s airspace, with one striking the Al-Taji base’s radar—though no operational disruptions or injuries were reported.
Security sources in Dhi Qar also revealed that unidentified drones have been conducting nighttime surveillance over the Imam Ali Airbase and Al-Nasiriyah Central Prison (Al-Hoot), raising concerns about potential future attacks, particularly given the prison’s high-security detainees.
With the radar at Imam Ali base reportedly compromised, southern Iraq remains vulnerable to further aerial threats.
Diplomatic and Security Coordination Intensifies
As investigations continue, Iraqi officials stress the importance of regional cooperation to address security challenges while maintaining stability. The situation underscores the need for vigilance and coordinated efforts to safeguard Iraq’s sovereignty and infrastructure.
