Iraq reveals results of probe on Khor Mor gas field drone attack, but suspects remain unnamed

Iraqi authorities released the findings of a joint investigation into the late-November drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field, confirming the strike originated east of Tuz Khurmatu but declining to name the suspected factions.

The report, endorsed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, stated that two drones were launched toward the facility on 26 November. One struck the site, and the other crashed nearby. This was the eleventh attack on the field from the same direction.

Investigators reported identifying individuals involved in the operation, describing them as outlaws, with some already subject to arrest warrants. However, the government did not name the groups linked to the perpetrators.

Sabah al-Nu'man, military spokesperson for Iraq's Prime Minister, stated that investigators secured technical evidence from the drone wreckage and confirmed the origin point south of the field, east of Tuz Khurmatu. He outlined recommendations to prevent future attacks and enhance the energy site's protection.

The committee recommended redeploying security forces across the East Salahuddin sector to close security gaps, improve coordination between intelligence and security agencies, and establish a unified command structure. It also urged the Ministries of Defence and Interior, along with the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), to appoint more qualified commanders in the areas surrounding the field.

The investigation called for improved intelligence coordination between federal agencies and the Kurdistan Region to strengthen early warning and threat response. The committee also recommended equipping the Khor Mor gas field with air defence systems, coordinated by the Ministry of Defence and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), to deter future drone or missile attacks.

The committee advised strict regulations on drone use and movement, requiring formal approval from authorities to prevent unauthorised activity near critical infrastructure. It also requested that the Supreme Judicial Council form a joint body with security and intelligence agencies to follow up on the case, pursue those involved, and ensure accountability under Iraqi law.

Al-Nu'man stated the committee's work would continue until all individuals involved in the attack are brought to justice, describing the strike as a serious attempt to undermine Iraq's sovereignty and disrupt its economic stability.

Bahrooz Jaafer, head of the Mediterranean Institute for Regional Research and a native of the Qader Karam area, told The New Arab: "Khor Mor gas field is located within the old Qdir Karam area, where the surrounding areas from three directions are populated with Kurds, and Duz Khormatu is also Kurdish but under the control of Turkmen factions, either Shia or Sunni, within the PMF. Duz and Amirli have a strategic location for Turkey and Iran, and both countries have conflicting interests in the areas."

"The attack has been made in the interests of Iran by the Iran-backed factions within the PMF, as it is not in the interest of Iran that Dana Gas expand its investments in Khor Mor to one billion cubic feet and also other gas fields in Chamchamal and set the stage for exporting the gas via Turkey," he added.

Iran aims to prevent Dana Gas from strengthening its influence, given its competitive interests in regional energy markets. Moreover, Turkey stands to benefit from increased gas exports through its territory, aligning its interests with Kurdistan's energy ambitions. The intersection of these interests highlights the complex power dynamics in the region, where both countries vie for strategic advantages while maintaining influence over local factions and infrastructure.

Jaafer stated that investigators chose not to name the perpetrators because "it is clear the attack has been made in the interest of Iran."

He also criticised assigning responsibility for air protection to Iraq’s defence ministry, arguing that procurement contracts are riddled with corruption, including those for air defence systems. "This would increase the costs on the gas field operator, and finally, there would be no guarantee that the ministry would protect the field," he said. "The gas field operator should sign a contract with a company for protecting the field, and hence it can sue the company if it fails to protect the gas facilities."

Dana Gas, based in the United Arab Emirates, stated in a press release that none of its employees were injured in the attack. However, a central condensate storage tank caught fire, causing a complete shutdown of operations. The Khor Mor field, located between Kirkuk and Sulaimaniyah, supplies over 80 per cent of the Kurdistan Region’s electricity and contributes to the Iraqi national grid. After the attack, the region witnessed a total blackout for more than three days.

Dana Gas on Tuesday denied a report by Al-Monitor claiming operations at the Khor Mor gas field had been suspended, describing the article as inaccurate and misleading. In a statement, the company said operations resumed immediately after completing necessary technical assessments and safety procedures. It affirmed that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani had emphasised the importance of expediting gas production.

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani appealed to the United States and international partners for defensive equipment to protect civilian energy infrastructure. US President Donald Trump recently stated he would review the KRG prime minister’s request to provide air defence systems for the field.

In 2021, Pearl Petroleum, the joint venture between Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum, secured a $250 million loan from the US International Development Finance Corporation to expand the facility. The KM250 project aims to increase processing capacity by 50 per cent.