A drone strike on an Emirati-owned gas complex in Iraq’s northern autonomous Kurdistan region resulted in the death of four Yemeni workers.
The Khor Mor complex, owned by Dana Gas, a United Arab Emirates firm, has been repeatedly targeted in recent years, but this strike marks the first deadly attack on the facility.
The strike, which occurred at approximately 6:45 pm local time, targeted a fuel storage tank, causing severe damage to the facility.
Ramak Ramadan, district chief of Chamchamal, where the complex is situated, reported that the attack disrupted gas supply to the region’s power plants, resulting in a loss of 2500 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
Efforts are underway to repair the damage and restore the gas supply, but the impact on power generation is expected to cause significant shortages.
The Kurdistan regional government spokesperson, Peshawa Hawramani, condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for the federal government in Baghdad to take immediate action to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Iraqi security forces have formed an investigative committee to probe the attack, vowing to punish the aggressors responsible for this heinous act of terrorism.
These repeated assaults on vital infrastructure pose a grave threat to the stability of the region. Kurdish authorities, led by regional president Nechirvan Barzani, have called on the federal government to take decisive measures to prevent further attacks and hold accountable those responsible, regardless of their affiliation.
The Khor Mor complex, situated between the cities of Kirkuk and Sulaimaniyah, has been a frequent target of unclaimed Katyusha rocket attacks in recent years, with Kurdish officials often attributing these incidents to pro-Iran groups.
In January, a similar attack caused a blaze but resulted in no casualties. The timing of these assaults coincided with heightened tensions in the region, particularly concerning actions taken by pro-Iran Iraqi groups targeting military bases hosting American forces in Iraq and neighboring Syria.
Kurdistan’s deputy prime minister, Qubad Talabani, echoed the calls for swift action, urging both the Iraqi government and local Kurdish authorities to collaborate on launching a thorough investigation and implementing robust measures to prevent future attacks on critical infrastructure.
As the investigation unfolds and efforts to restore the gas supply continue, the broader implications of these attacks underscore the urgent need for concerted action to safeguard the stability and security of the region.
The international community must also remain vigilant and offer support to Iraq and its regional partners in confronting the threat of terrorism and ensuring the safety of essential infrastructure and personnel.
