Erbil Governor Says Over 500 Drone Attacks Target Province Amid Rising Regional Tensions

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Erbil Governor Omed Xoshnaw announced that more than 500 drone and missile attacks have targeted Erbil province following a recent escalation in regional tensions, calling on the Iraqi federal government to adopt a firm stance and compensate those affected.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Xoshnaw said the Kurdistan Region—particularly its capital, Erbil—has been subjected to a sustained series of attacks.

He described the strikes as unjust and ongoing, noting that they have primarily targeted the province through drones and missiles.

The governor attributed the attacks to “terrorist groups and armed militias” operating from the Iraqi territories, which are under the federal authority. He stressed that the assaults have not only endangered civilians but have also struck critical economic infrastructure, including the Khor Mor Gas Field and several oil refineries, underscoring the broader economic implications of the violence.

Xoshnaw voiced concern over what he described as the silence and inaction of the federal government in Baghdad, warning that statements of condemnation alone are insufficient.

“These attacks will not end with mere statements and condemnations; the Iraqi government must fulfill its responsibility and prevent these violations that originate from areas under its control,” he said.

He further called on Baghdad to ensure that compensation for those impacted by the attacks is included in the country’s emergency budget, highlighting the growing humanitarian and financial toll on local communities.

Xoshnaw praised the resilience of the people of the Kurdistan Region during this difficult time and commended the efforts of the regional authorities to maintain stability and safeguard the capital. 

In a related development, earlier in the day, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent security alert warning that Iran-aligned militia groups may be planning attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours, urging all American citizens to leave Iraq immediately.

The alert stated that “Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may intend to conduct attacks” targeting a wide range of locations, including diplomatic facilities, businesses, universities, airports, hotels, energy infrastructure, and other sites perceived to be associated with the United States. Iraqi institutions and civilian areas could also be at risk.

According to the embassy, Iran and affiliated militias have previously carried out widespread attacks against U.S. citizens and interests across Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region.

The warning also highlighted the continued threat of kidnappings targeting Americans.

The U.S. Embassy statement raised concerns about the ability of the Iraqi authorities to prevent such attacks, noting that “the Iraqi government has not prevented terrorist attacks in or from Iraqi territory.”

The embassy statement further cautioned that some militia members may present themselves as government officials, potentially carrying identification suggesting affiliation with Iraqi state institutions.