Iraqi PM Orders Joint Probe Into Attack on Khor Mor Gas Field
Attack causes extensive damage to LPG production unit, halts gas output, and threatens electricity supplies across Iraq
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Faleh al-Zaidi on Sunday ordered the formation of a joint investigative committee with relevant authorities in the Kurdistan Region to determine the circumstances surrounding an attack on the Khor Mor gas field in Sulaimani province late Sunday, which caused extensive material damage and brought gas production to a halt.
According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief's Media Office, the incident occurred at 11:10 p.m. local time on Nov. 8 in the Chamchamal district of Sulaimani province. Initial information indicated that no human casualties had been reported.
The investigation committee will work with the relevant authorities in the Kurdistan Region to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The attack struck the gas field's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production unit in the Qadir Karam subdistrict of Chamchamal, triggering a massive fire and causing significant damage to the facility.
Kurdistan24 correspondent Harem Jaff reported that the affected section, known as the Old Field, is responsible for daily LPG production and had not previously been targeted.
According to Jaff, an emergency alarm sounded before the impact, allowing employees to evacuate to designated safe areas and shelters. No casualties were reported among employees or security personnel.
The attack also forced a complete halt to gas production at the facility. Firefighting teams were working to contain the blaze, while the origin and direction of the attack had not yet been officially disclosed by security authorities.
Electricity Supplies Under Pressure
The disruption has raised concerns over electricity supplies across Iraq, as gas deliveries from Khor Mor to several power stations have been interrupted.
Omed Ahmad, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Electricity, told Kurdistan24 that the ministry would activate hydropower stations at the Dukan and Darbandikhan dams, alongside power stations operating on alternative fuels, to mitigate the impact of the disruption.
Ahmad said the measures were intended to prevent a nationwide blackout and ensure that essential facilities, including hospitals and water stations, receive priority electricity supplies.
He added that the full impact of the electricity shortage was expected to become apparent from midnight Sunday, emphasizing that the restoration of normal electricity supplies would depend on the resumption of gas production at the Khor Mor field.