The U.S. Condemns Attacks by Iranian-Linked Groups on Civilian Infrastructure in Iraqi Kurdistan

On Friday, February 25, the U.S. State Department issued a statement condemning the drone attack by Iranian-linked militia groups in Iraqi Kurdistan, which damaged civilian infrastructure and caused power outages in the region. The statement emphasized that the U.S. stands alongside its partners in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Regional Government, against these 'cruel and senseless' attacks. Washington has urged Iraqi officials to investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. The statement concluded that the U.S. will continue to cooperate with the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government in support of Iraq's sovereignty and security. The drone attack on the 'Khur Mor' gas field in the Sulaymaniyah region halted production and caused widespread power outages across the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq. According to Dana Gas, the UAE operator managing the field, the attack damaged a liquefied gas reservoir but resulted in no casualties. Operations at the gas field were temporarily halted during firefighting efforts, but production is expected to resume soon. Local officials reported that after the attack, the power grid was completely cut off. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Iraq has witnessed almost daily missile and drone attacks primarily targeting U.S.-led coalition military bases. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a group of hardline militia aligned with the Iranian regime, claims responsibility for these attacks. The drone attack on the gas field in Iraqi Kurdistan led to widespread power outages. U.S. forces attacked positions of Iranian proxy groups in Iraq. The U.S. imposed new sanctions on Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq and Hamas, increasing pressure on the Quds Force of the IRGC. An armed drone was shot down over Erbil airport.