Erbil drone intercepted near US consulate compound | JQJO

Erbil, Iraq – An explosive-laden drone was shot down on Saturday over Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, near the United States consulate, according to Kurdish security sources and witness accounts. The consulate’s air defense system intercepted the drone in the afternoon before it reached the perimeter of the diplomatic compound, and authorities reported no casualties. A Kurdish security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the drone was destroyed in midair, preventing it from striking the consulate grounds. Witnesses in the area reported hearing explosions and seeing smoke rising near Erbil International Airport as defenses engaged incoming drones.

The incident came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent exchanges of strikes between the United States and Iran, which have increased concerns about the safety of US diplomatic and military sites in Iraq. Erbil has faced a series of drone attacks in recent days, with the US consulate and the international coalition base near Erbil International Airport among the apparent targets. Iraqi air defenses in the area shot down at least five drones, one of which crashed into an agricultural area and caused a small fire. Iraqi authorities remain on high alert over the risk of further attacks by Iran-aligned armed groups targeting US diplomatic facilities and military installations.