Drone Strikes by Suspected Iran-Linked Militias Hit US-Owned Oil Site in Iraq
A U.S.-owned oil and gas site was among several facilities targeted in a series of drone attacks this week in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
On Wednesday, drones struck an oil field in Iraq’s Zakho district, according to the Kurdish region’s anti-terrorism department.
DNO ASA, the Norwegian firm operating the site, said it temporarily halted operations after three explosions damaged a small storage tank at the Tawke field and surface equipment at the nearby Peshkabir field. The company reported no injuries and said damage assessments are underway.
Hours after the incident, Kurdish authorities said another drone targeted the Baadre oil field in Sheikhan district, also in Dohuk province. No injuries were reported.
The attacks come a day after drones targeted the Khurmala and Sarsang oil fields, which are operated by HKN Energy, a Texas-based company owned by Hillwood Energy.
No group has claimed responsibility for the recent strikes. However, Iraqi authorities told Reuters that preliminary findings suggest that Iran-aligned militias were behind the attacks.
Local energy officials said the attacks have slashed daily oil production by 140,000 to 150,000 barrels, down from the region’s typical output of 285,000. Meanwhile, APIKUR, an association representing eight oil companies in Iraqi Kurdistan, said most of its members have suspended production while assessing the damage.
The Kurdish region’s Ministry of Natural Resources said the attacks were intended “to disrupt the economy of the Kurdistan region and threaten the safety of civilian employees of the energy sector.” The ministry called on federal authorities to intervene and prevent further assaults.
