Explosive Drones Attack US-led Forces Bases In Iraq

Bandara Internasional Erbil, Iraq (Wikimedia Commons / Kosar Nuradeen)

JAKARTA - An unmanned drone strike, armed with explosives, targeted Erbil International Airport, Iraq, targeting the base of the US-led coalition forces in the airport grounds, Tuesday night, according to Kurdish security sources.

The source said the attack made the sirens at the US Consulate General not far from the airport sound. Several flights were also suspended, the source said, citing Reuters on Wednesday, July 7.

In a statement, the US Department of Defense said it was aware of reports of a drone strike, but initial information showed no structural damage, or injuries or casualties.

Meanwhile, another US military authority spokesman, citing preliminary information, said one drone had 'impact' near Erbil, but there were no injuries or damage.

"At this time initial reports indicate no injuries, fatalities or damage. We will update when we have more information," Colonel Wayne Marotto, spokesman for the international coalition forces (OIR) said on Twitter.

The attack came a day after rockets and drones targeted the Ain al-Asad air base, which houses US troops and the US Embassy in Baghdad.

Earlier, in April a drone dropped explosives near US troops stationed at Erbil airport. It was the first known attack by a drone against US forces in Erbil, amid a steady stream of rocket attacks on bases housing US troops and the embassy in Baghdad that Washington blames on Iran-backed militias.

Meanwhile, citing the Jerusalem Post, Erbil Airport is called a 'favorite' for rocket and drone attacks by pro-Iran militias. Like the attacks that occurred at the end of June, including targeting the CIA hangar at the airport.

Pro-Iranian militias are said to be increasingly targeting US troops in Iraq in attacks that have occurred every week and now occur every day since July 4. These included two attacks on July 5, one of them on the Asad base, and then an attack that took place on the night of July 5.

Initial report: At approx. 11:15 PM local time, one UAS impacted in the vicinity of Erbil Air Base, Iraq. At this time initial reports indicate no injuries, casualties or damage. We will update when we have further information.

— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) July 6, 2021