Exclusive: Surveillance footage reveals dramatic drone attack on Khor Mor gas field

The drone used in the attack, identified as the Iranian-made Shahed 101 (kamikaze) drone, has previously been employed by militia groups in Iraq and Syria.

The photo shows the moment the Iranian-made Shahid 101 is about to hit the Khor Mor gas field. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
The photo shows the moment the Iranian-made Shahid 101 is about to hit the Khor Mor gas field. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Kurdistan24 has obtained surveillance footage from the Khor Mor gas field capturing the moment of the drone attack, shedding light on the harrowing events that unfolded.

The footage, dated April 26, 2024, reveals a bombed drone targeting the Khor Mor gas field at 18:43 local time. The strike precisely hit the area where a group of Dana Gas Company workers were stationed, resulting in chaotic scenes as workers fled their positions amidst the explosions.

The drone used in the attack, identified as the Iranian-made Shahed 101 (kamikaze) drone, has previously been employed by militia groups in Iraq and Syria.

Notably, it has been implicated in assaults on US military installations, including the US Consulate in Erbil and Erbil International Airport.

Measuring 160 centimeters in length and 220 centimeters in width, the Shahid 101 boasts a range of 2,000 kilometers and a speed of 150 kilometers per hour, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of attackers.

Tragically, the attack claimed the lives of four Yemeni workers, with two others sustaining injuries. The casualties occurred at the Khor Mor gas field, located in the Qadir Karam sub-district of Chamchamal district within Sulaimani province.

Read More: Drone strikes gas field in Sulaimani province

Operated by the UAE's Dana Gas Company, the Khor Mor gas field serves as a vital source, providing 67% of the Kurdistan Region's electricity supply.

In response to the attack, both the US State Department and the United Nations Special Envoy (UNAMI) have denounced the violence and urged a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

Read More: U.S. ‘Strongly Condemns’ Drone Attack on Khor Mor Gas Field

Read More: UNAMI condemns attack on Khor Mor gas field, calls for justice

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday in a post on X condemned the Khor Mor gas field attack and sent his condolences to the four civilians killed.

“I strongly condemn tonight’s terror attack on Khor Mor. My thoughts and condolences are with the four civilians killed, and I wish the wounded a swift recovery. I have instructed the Ministry of Health to provide all necessary support,” Prime Minister Barzani said.

Read More: PM Barzani condemns Khor Mor gas field attack

The international community's condemnation underscores the gravity of the incident and the imperative of holding accountable those responsible for such brazen acts of aggression.