Local sources and regional media outlets reported a drone attack during the early hours of Friday, August 14, targeting US troop positions near Erbil International Airport, as the Kurdistan Region’s Counter-Terrorism Directorate announced the interception and destruction of at least three incoming drones over Erbil.
In an official statement, the directorate reported that the attacking drones were detected and downed by defense systems belonging to the US-led international coalition before reaching their intended targets. According to the release, the attempt resulted in no casualties or physical damage.
Contradicting this account, Al Arabiya quoted local sources stating that several drones were launched toward US positions near the airport, with at least one directly striking a facility. Al Arabiya added that US ground-based air defense systems failed to activate during the attack, prompting US fighter jets to scramble to engage the incoming uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Flight operations at Erbil International Airport were temporarily suspended following the incident. However, no official statements detailing exact casualties or material damage have been published.
According to data compiled by Rudaw, more than 965 missiles and drones have been launched in strikes targeting the Kurdistan Region of Iraq since February 28. The outlet reported that these attacks have collectively caused 32 fatalities and injured 154 individuals.
