AFP journalists report at least four blasts near the airport and US diplomatic complex in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, as air defenses intercept projectiles.
IRBIL, Iraq – At least four explosions were heard in the city of Irbil in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region on Wednesday, according to AFP journalists at the scene, as regional tensions continue to escalate.
Witnesses reported seeing interceptions of projectiles over the city, which houses a major US consulate complex and an airport hosting US-led coalition troops. The targeted area remains a flashpoint in the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran-aligned militia groups .
Air Defenses Activated
Local media reports indicate that air defense systems were activated amid what appeared to be a drone attack near Erbil International Airport . Security sources have previously confirmed that the US-led international coalition forces, deployed at a base within the airport, have been on high alert following repeated drone incursions in recent weeks .
It was not immediately clear what the specific target was or if there were any casualties. Fire crews and ambulances were deployed to affected areas following the blasts .
Ongoing Regional Context
The attack comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East following the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran war on February 28. Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups have repeatedly targeted US diplomatic facilities and military installations throughout Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region .
The US Embassy in Baghdad has recently urged American citizens to leave Iraq immediately, citing “the significant threat to public safety posed by Iran-aligned terrorist militia groups” and noting repeated attacks in the area around the Erbil International Airport and US Consulate .
The Kurdistan Regional Government has not yet issued an official statement regarding Wednesday’s incident .
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