Washington Condemns Attacks on Kurdistan’s Energy Sites, Says Iraq Must Protect Its Territory and Citizens
“The United States remains committed to our partners across Iraq who are working to build a stable, federal, and sovereign state,” said the press release.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The United States on Wednesday issued a strong condemnation of recent drone attacks targeting oil fields in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, describing the strikes as a threat to the country’s stability, economic future, and international partnerships.
In a press statement released by State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Washington criticized the drone attacks that began on July 14, which struck key energy infrastructure operated by international companies in the Kurdistan Region.
“The United States strongly condemns the drone attacks that have been targeting oil fields in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region since July 14,” the statement read. “These attacks imperil Iraq’s stability and economic future. The Government of Iraq has a duty to protect its territory and all of its citizens.”
The statement further emphasized that the facilities targeted were part of collaborative efforts between Iraq and foreign investors working to develop the country’s energy sector.
“These strikes target international companies that are working with Iraq to invest in Iraq’s future,” Bruce added.
On July 14, 15, and 16, drone strikes hit the Khormala oil field near Erbil, the Sarsang field in Duhok province, and the Hunt Oil facility near Baadre in Sheikhan district, the oil fields in Tawke and the Peshkhabour area of Zakho, vital assets in the Kurdistan Region’s energy infrastructure. The attacks temporarily disrupted operations.
In an earlier statement on Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad also condemned the attacks, reaffirming U.S. support for Iraq’s sovereignty and calling for the protection of vital infrastructure.
Wednesday’s statement from the State Department reaffirmed Washington’s long-term support for a strong Kurdistan Region within a unified and stable Iraq. “The United States remains committed to our partners across Iraq who are working to build a stable, federal, and sovereign state,” it said.
The attacks risk not only destabilizing a relatively secure part of Iraq but also deterring much-needed foreign investment in the energy sector — a critical component of Iraq’s post-conflict recovery and long-term economic stability.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the latest attacks, observers suspect Iran-backed Iraqi militias may be behind them, continuing a trend seen in previous years.
