According to the Kurdistan Counterterrorism Forces, a suicide drone targeted Harir airbase, where American troops are stationed, on Friday morning. Kurdistan CT reported that the attack took place around 10:25 am at Harir airport which is A U.S airbase in Kurdistan Region.
A security source informed Kurdaily that after the attack, smoke was observed rising from the airport for approximately 10 minutes. However, no information regarding casualties or damages caused by the attack has been reported thus far.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of Iraqi militias supported by Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for the attack on Friday. On Telegram, they stated that they used a drone to target the U.S airbase in Kurdistan Region, and hit their target. The group said the base was attacked in response to Israeli attacks on Gaza.
The group has taken credit for numerous attacks targeting US troops in Iraq and Syria. Harir airbase has been repeatedly attacked since October 17th. Situated 77 kilometers northeast of Erbil, the capital city of the Kurdistan Region. The airbase serves as a home to the US-led international coalition combating the Islamic State (ISIS). The Harir base has been attacked before by Iran-backed armed groups on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9.
US troops stationed in Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and Syria have faced a string of rocket and drone attacks from pro-Iran militias since mid-October. These attacks are believed to be in retaliation for the US’s support of Israel in its conflict with Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
Following attacks on US troops in Iraq and Syria, the US has conducted three retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militia in Syria. The most recent strikes targeted two Iran-affiliated facilities in Deir ez-Zor province in the eastern part of the country. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh revealed that Iran-backed militia groups have attacked American coalition bases a total of 58 times in Iraq and Syria.
“So as of today, there have been approximately 58 attacks. So that’s 27 in Iraq and 30-31 attacks in Syria,” Singh said according to a transcript provided by the Pentagon.
Singh said that The attacks have not caused significant damage, they have injured no U.S soldiers”
Kurdish President Nechirvan Barzani expressed deep concern over the drone attacks targeting the US-led global coalition forces in Iraq. He deemed these attacks as highly perilous for both Iraq and the Region. President Barzani urged Iraq to take action and prevent unlawful forces from causing troubles in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Following the attack, The Kurdish prime minister has urged the Iraqi prime minister to deal with these groups. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior denounced the attack, calling on Iraq to stop future attacks.
Nearly 2,500 US troops in Iraq, along with 900 others in Syria, spearhead an international alliance under Operation Inherent Resolve. This operation aids Kurdish, Iraqi, and Syrian local forces in combating ISIS.
