Drone strike, explosion rock Kurdish city of Qamishlo

Preliminary reports indicate the first explosion came from a fuel tank fire near an ice factory in Ain Kharba. The second blast was confirmed as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack at the same location.

Smoke rises in the aftermath of the explosion in Qamishlo. (Photo submitted to Kurdistan24)
Smoke rises in the aftermath of the explosion in Qamishlo. (Photo submitted to Kurdistan24)

Jan. 17, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Two powerful explosions shook the Kurdish-controlled city of Qamishlo on Friday, including what officials confirmed was a drone strike targeting a building in the city's western district.

Preliminary reports suggest the first explosion originated from a fuel tank fire at a building near an ice factory in the Ain Kharba neighborhood. The second blast, which struck the same location, was confirmed to be the result of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attack.

The targeted building is located in a civilian-populated area that accommodates several important facilities, including the HAWAR News Agency headquarters and the Civil Defense Authority offices.

Residents reported hearing aircraft activity in the area prior to the explosions.

The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), which governs the region, has not yet issued information about possible casualties or exact details about the targeted facility.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing tensions in northeastern Syria, where Kurdish forces maintain control but face episodic security challenges from various armed groups and state actors.

The region, also known as Rojava, has established a de facto autonomous administration since 2012 during the Syrian civil war.

The use of armed drones in the area has raised concerns about escalating military activities in the region, which has historically served as a comparatively stable part of war-torn Syria under the Kurdish administration.

Local authorities have begun an investigation into the incident, while security measures have been intensified across the city.