UK Condemns KRI Drone Attacks, Urges Baghdad to Act
“The UK condemns the recent drone attacks across Iraq, including those this week targeting energy infrastructure in the KRI [Kurdistan Region],” the embassy statement read.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — The United Kingdom has added its voice to the international condemnation of drone attacks on the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector, urging the Iraqi government to prevent future strikes and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a message addressed to Baghdad on Friday, the British Embassy stated that the targeting of energy infrastructure harms Iraq's economy and called for holding the attackers accountable.
“The UK condemns the recent drone attacks across Iraq, including those this week targeting energy infrastructure in the KRI [Kurdistan Region],” the embassy statement read. "These attacks threaten civilians’ safety, damage Iraq's economy, and undermine Iraq's stability."
The embassy called directly on the federal government to take action. “We urge the Government of Iraq to Prevent further attacks and hold those responsible to account.”
The UK condemns the recent drone attacks across Iraq. pic.twitter.com/VVf9pZxoo4
— UK in Iraq 🇬🇧🇮🇶 (@UKinIraq) July 18, 2025
The statement comes amid ongoing drone attacks and a largely muted official response from Baghdad. To date, Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji has promised an investigation, but the Iraqi government has not announced an official stance.
On Thursday, Kurdistan Region Minister of Interior Reber Ahmed described the repeated strikes as "terrorist acts."
"It is very clear where the drones are being directed from, as they always target the economic lifeline of the Kurdistan Region," Ahmed told journalists, adding that "any party behind this work will be shamed." He also called on the federal government to expose and prosecute those responsible.
A Wave of Attacks and Mounting International Pressure
The condemnation from the British Embassy follows a significant escalation in both attacks and international pressure on Baghdad.
A senior U.S. lawmaker, Representative Joe Wilson, recently threatened that Iraq could be blocked from using its oil revenues deposited in the U.S. Federal Reserve if Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani does not take "decisive action" to stop the attacks, which he attributed to "Iran-backed Iraqi militias."
The international pressure comes after at least seven drone attacks targeted vital energy infrastructure across the Kurdistan Region between July 14 and July 16. The strikes hit key oil fields including Khurmala, Sarsang, Peshkhabour, and Tawke, affecting international operators such as U.S.-affiliated HKN Energy and Norwegian company DNO. One attack on an HKN facility in the Sarsang block started a major fire and temporarily halted operations.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has labeled the incidents "acts of terrorism against the Kurdistan Region’s vital economic infrastructure."
The United States has issued multiple strong condemnations, with the State Department describing the attacks as a threat to "Iraq’s stability and economic future" and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad calling them "unacceptable." Both urged the Iraqi government to exercise its authority to protect investments and hold the attackers accountable.
While no group has claimed responsibility, the attacks are widely attributed to "outlaw Iraqi militia groups." Despite an investigation being launched by the Iraqi Prime Minister, no arrests have been reported.
