Drone strike halts operations at Iraqi Kurdistan oil field: What to know
A second drone attack in as many days has suspended operations at an oil facility in Iraqi Kurdistan, with initial investigations pointing to Iran-aligned armed groups.
A drone struck an oil facility in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region on Tuesday, halting operations at the oil field. The attack comes less than 24 hours after another oil field in the region was struck by two drones on Monday.
Explosion at HKN Energy’s Sarang Field Triggers Emergency Response; No Injuries Reported!
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) July 15, 2025
Despite the absence of casualties, the facility remains engulfed in flames. Emergency response teams are currently on site, working to contain the fire and prevent further damage.
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The company that operates the field, HKN Energy, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday. HKN said all personnel were accounted for and no injuries had been reported. “Operations at the affected facility have been suspended until the site is secured and a full evaluation is completed,” the statement read.
On Monday, two drones struck the Khurmala oil field near Erbil, according to the Iraqi News Agency. The region’s Ministry of Natural Resources stated that the attack damaged only the oil field’s water pipelines and caused no casualties. No group has claimed responsibility.
Earlier that morning, an “explosive-laden” drone was intercepted near the Erbil International Airport, according to the region’s counterterrorism services, marking the second such incident near the airport in July alone.
