An attack on the large Khor Mor gas field in the autonomous Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq was carried out by two drones, according to the Iraqi authorities. The attack took place on November 26.
The Khor Mor gas field is an important energy infrastructure site, and it helps supply the Kurdistan Region with electricity generation.
The attack took place right after US officials had met the Kurdistan Regional Government’s minister of electricity. It also came days before the US held a ceremony opening its massive consulate in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region.
The attack was likely carried out by Iranian-backed militias. These groups have targeted the gas field in the past.
The KRG recently said electric generation had increased to enable 24-hour electricity in many areas. Previously, many people had to use generators for part of the day, even though Iraq sits on an ocean of oil reserves.
Iraq's gas field attack conducted by drones
“The Iraqi government late Wednesday announced that last week’s attack on the Kurdistan Region’s Khor Mor gas field was conducted by ‘two drones’ and said it will deploy air-defense systems in coordination with Erbil to secure the facility,” Rudaw Media Network, a news channel in the Kurdistan Region, reported. “It also revealed that the perpetrators of what they called a ‘heinous and cowardly attack’ have been identified.”
Sabah al-Numan, a spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, was quoted as saying: “In coordination with the Kurdistan Regional Government [KRG],” Baghdad would move to protect the gas field. Recommendations have been received from a committee in Baghdad, he said, adding that the “Defense Ministry has been instructed to provide Khor Mor with air-defense capabilities.”
The US has said it would support the KRG in this endeavor as well, but it is not clear how. US President Donald Trump was also asked about supporting the Kurdistan Region’s defense needs.
“UAE-based Dana Gas, the field’s main operator, announced Wednesday that production has returned to normal levels, noting the implementation of ‘strengthened security measures’ by Kurdish and federal authorities to protect the strategic energy site,” Rudaw Media Network reported.
“The perpetrators of this attack have been identified,” Numan said. “They are outlaws, and judicial arrest warrants have already been issued for several of them. Security forces are currently pursuing them.”
Supposedly, Baghdad will now deploy air defenses to the site.
“Additional measures include redeploying security forces within the ‘East Salahaddin Operations sector to close any security gaps’ and replacing current commanders in the area with ‘more competent leaders,’” the report said. Baghdad also said it wants to increase “intelligence coordination channels” with the KRG.
“This dangerous terrorist act aims to obstruct and delay efforts to achieve security and economic stability,” the Iraqi government said. “It will not go unpunished, and firm legal measures will be taken against all perpetrators.”
This is an important development, but Baghdad will need to actually come through and do what it says. In the past, Iraq has failed to fulfill its obligations to the Kurdistan Region.