New drone attacks hit Erbil as Iraq-KRG joint committee prepares to submit findings

Two explosive-laden drones struck areas near Erbil early Monday, shortly after Iraq's National Security Adviser, Qasim al-Araji, arrived in the city as part of a federal delegation tasked with uncovering who is behind the strikes. A third drone crashed in an open area in Kirkuk province. No casualties were reported.

The Kurdistan Region's Counterterrorism Directorate confirmed that the first drone exploded in Erbil's Rizgari sub-district around 5:50 AM. Local media reported a second drone landing in the village of Kowsur, while the third fell in Kirkuk's Hawija district. No group has claimed responsibility.

The incident is the latest in over 20 drone attacks recorded across the Kurdistan Region this month—many of them targeting oil facilities. Kurdish officials say the strikes have largely disrupted oil production, further straining the region's already fragile economy.

The federal delegation—led by al-Araji and Deputy Commander of Joint Operations Qais al-Muhammadawi—was received in Erbil by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Interior Reber Ahmed. Speaking at a joint press conference, Ahmed confirmed the visit aimed to launch a comprehensive investigation.

"These attacks have happened repeatedly. Committees were formed in the past—some jointly—but their findings led to no action. We hope this time will be different," Ahmed said. "The groups behind these attacks must be identified and brought to justice. The Kurdistan Region cannot continue to be treated like a hostile entity."

He noted that several oil companies have suspended operations due to the strikes, compounding losses already caused by halted exports. "This has directly impacted our ability to meet the production targets agreed with SOMO under the latest Erbil-Baghdad oil deal," he added.

Under the agreement, the KRG committed to submit 230,000 barrels per day to Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organisation in exchange for monthly payments to its public sector workers.

While voicing hope for a peaceful outcome, Ahmed warned the KRG "will not remain silent" if attacks continue: "We will take all necessary steps to defend our people and our land."

Al-Araji echoed these concerns and pledged accountability. "Whether the perpetrators operate from within or outside the Kurdistan Region, we will pursue them. They will be brought to justice," he said, adding that the investigation is fully backed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

In a statement, the National Security Adviser's office said the joint Federal-KRG security committee, headed by Qasim al-Araji, held a high-level meeting in Erbil to review the drone attacks. The sides exchanged intelligence, assessed the strikes' nature, and submitted recommendations to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Al-Araji reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region's security is an integral part of Iraq's national security and stressed continued coordination between federal and regional authorities.

Federal investigations, US pressure

On 18 July, the Iraqi government released preliminary findings into recent drone attacks on military and energy sites. Officials said the same model of drone was used in multiple strikes, carrying foreign-manufactured warheads, though no party has been named publicly.

On 22 July, amid growing international scrutiny, Prime Minister al-Sudani held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio reportedly pressed for accountability over attacks on US-linked energy assets and urged the resumption of Kurdish oil exports via Turkey.

He also expressed strong concerns over a draft law in Iraq's parliament that would formally integrate the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) as a standalone security institution.

The legislation is facing sharp opposition from Kurdish and Sunni lawmakers, who say it risks institutionalising a parallel armed force. Shia factions, however, defend the bill, saying it brings the PMF—formed in 2014 to fight ISIS—under official state control.

The PMF remains a source of tension not only in the Kurdistan Region but in Baghdad as well. On Sunday, three people—including a policeman—were killed in clashes between security forces and pro-Iran gunmen in the capital, according to Iraqi officials and an armed group member.

A senior Kurdish source speaking to The New Arab said Rubio used "forceful language" with al-Sudani during their call, reflecting mounting pressure from both Washington and Tehran. According to the source, the drone strikes are widely believed to be carried out by Iran-linked militias aiming to punish Erbil for recent oil and gas agreements with American firms.

"The attacks are intended to destabilise the Kurdistan Region and disrupt its cooperation with the US," the source said.

While the Prime Minister's office insists the PMF bill is part of broader security reforms, it has condemned the drone attacks as acts of economic sabotage—particularly amid efforts to restart oil exports from the Kurdistan Region under US pressure.

As the region braces for potential escalation, officials in Erbil say further disruption to oil infrastructure could have long-lasting consequences for Iraq's national economy.