Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The international coalition’s air defense systems intercepted on Wednesday evening four drones over Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
The systems were activated when flying objects approached the US consulate and its associated logistics base, according to Al-Arabiya News.
Four explosions were reportedly heard in the skies over Erbil following the activation of the international coalition’s air defense systems.
A security source confirmed that air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed the drones before reaching their targets, adding that the attack caused no casualties or material damage.
On Tuesday, Iraqi security sources said that air defenses intercepted three explosive-laden drones near the US consulate in Erbil with two drones targeting a camp of the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), an Iranian Kurdish opposition group.
The state-run news agency (INA) reported that Erbil International Airport temporarily suspended flights but later announced their resumption.
Iraqi air defenses shot down an explosive-laden drone on Monday near Harir Air Base in Iraq, which houses US and international coalition forces. There were no reports of casualties or damages.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Neither Iraqi officials nor the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has issued a statement identifying the attackers or the types of drones involved.
The recent escalation in Iraqi Kurdistan, which largely included drone assaults over Erbil, comes amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, the most serious since a cease-fire deal was reached in mid-June.
