Drone Strikes Shut Down Iraqi Kurdistan Gas Field, Cut Power Output by Up to 80%
By The Media Line Staff
A series of drone strikes against major energy facilities in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region late Sunday brought gas production to a halt, disrupted oil operations and plunged large parts of the region into darkness, with electricity generation falling by as much as 80%.
The most damaging attack targeted Khor Mor, the region’s largest natural gas field, where explosions ignited a fire and forced the suspension of operations, cutting off a major source of fuel for local power stations.
The resulting loss of approximately 2,800 megawatts reduced electricity output by 70% to 80%, causing widespread blackouts across Iraqi Kurdistan.
Three drones struck the Khor Mor facility at approximately 11:10 p.m. local time (2010 GMT), a Kurdistan Regional Government source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. Iraq’s Security Media Cell, part of the Joint Operations Command, confirmed the timing of the attack. No casualties were reported.
The field, operated by Pearl Petroleum, a consortium that includes Dana Gas, is a critical supplier of natural gas for electricity generation throughout the region.
Other energy installations were also targeted, including the Khormala and Sarsang oil fields. US-based HKN Energy, which operates Sarsang, suspended production temporarily as a precaution following the drone attacks.
While no organization immediately claimed responsibility, Kurdish security officials said preliminary investigations indicated that the drones originated from areas controlled by Iran-backed militias.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, ordered a joint investigation, with authorities in Baghdad and the Kurdistan region expected to coordinate efforts to determine the circumstances of the attacks.
The US Embassy in Iraq called on the Iraqi government to strengthen its control over armed groups and prevent further strikes against energy infrastructure.
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