Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claims responsibility for missile and drone strikes on US-coalition facilities in Erbil, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
WEB DESK: Tensions in the Middle East have surged after Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and explosive drones at Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
According to Al Jazeera, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the overnight strikes, targeting the Harir Air Base and military facilities at Erbil International Airport, where United States and coalition forces are stationed.
Security officials reported at least five powerful explosions near the Harir base, lighting up the night sky across northern Iraq. In a statement, the IRGC claimed the missiles struck what it described as “Zionist-linked” military headquarters.
The Pentagon confirmed the attack but said US personnel had been moved to hardened shelters before the strikes. No immediate casualties among American forces were reported.
Civilians caught in the chaos
Despite the intended military targets, several projectiles reportedly fell short, landing in Ankawa, a largely Christian district in Erbil. Residents described shattered windows, damaged apartment blocks, and widespread panic as explosions echoed across the city.
Local authorities confirmed that a Kurdish security guard, Walat Tahir, was killed in a drone strike near the airport perimeter.
Rising fears of regional conflict
The Kurdish Regional Government condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of Iraqi sovereignty. Diplomats from Britain and France have urged immediate de-escalation, warning that continued retaliation could ignite a broader regional war.
Meanwhile, US forces have increased air-defence patrols over Erbil, and the airport remains on high alert as fears of further drone attacks persist.
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