Drone shot down near Iraqi airport hosting US troops: Security forces

A drone was intercepted late on Thursday near Arbil airport, which houses US-led anti-terrorism troops in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, Kurdish security forces said.

“At 9:58 p.m. (6:58 p.m. GMT) an explosive-packed drone was downed near Arbil International Airport, without causing casualties or damage,” said the counterterrorism services of the Kurdistan region.

Arbil airport, which includes a military base of the international anti-terrorism coalition, was a frequent target in previous years for rocket and drone attacks.

Dana Tofeek, the airport’s interim director, said that the airport is “safe,” adding that “only one flight was slightly delayed due to security measures.”

There has been no claim of responsibility for the drone.

In less than two weeks, drone and rocket attacks have been reported in different parts of Iraq, including drones that landed in open spaces.

Earlier on Thursday, an explosive-packed drone fell near Kirkuk airport, which was struck on Monday by two rockets, a senior security official said.

Kirkuk airport hosts Iraqi army units, federal police, and the Hashed al-Shaabi, a coalition of former pro-Iranian paramilitary forces now integrated into the regular armed forces.

Early on Tuesday, Iraq’s anti-aircraft defense engaged at least one drone near the key refinery of Baiji in Salaheddin province.

Last week, hours before a ceasefire ended the 12-day Iran–Israel war, unidentified drones struck radar systems at two military bases in Baghdad and southern Iraq.

Iraq has long been a battleground of drone and rocket assaults and proved fertile ground for proxy wars.

It only recently regained a semblance of stability after decades of devastating conflicts and turmoil.