Drone explosion injures two Peshmerga fighters in Duhok’s Amedi district

DUHOK — Two Peshmerga fighters were injured Tuesday when a drone exploded over their position in the Blava village area of Amedi district, marking the second such incident in less than 24 hours.

The explosion occurred at the same site where, on Monday evening, a drone strike injured three Peshmerga fighters as they were establishing a new security post.

In a statement issued by the Kurdistan Region Security Council, authorities said a “terrorist group” carried out two separate drone attacks on Peshmerga positions in Duhok governorate on Monday and Tuesday, leaving five fighters injured.

“The wounded are in stable condition, and the Peshmerga remain ready with strong resolve to confront any hostile plans or attacks,” the statement read.

It linked the attacks to efforts aimed at disrupting ongoing peace efforts in the region. “While the peace process in the north, the unity talks among Kurdish parties in northeast Syria, and the formation of the new cabinet in the Kurdistan Region are moving forward, certain groups are attempting to sabotage stability,” the statement added.

It warned that all such groups targeting the region’s security institutions will face consequences, and confirmed that both the Peshmerga and internal security forces are prepared to respond to any threats.

Although the source of the drones has not been officially disclosed, parts of Amedi district — including areas near Blava village — have witnessed ongoing conflict between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, and the Turkish military. Peshmerga forces have since deployed to secure areas vacated by the PKK.

A security source in Amedi told 964media, “Shortly ago, in the same location in Blava village, a drone exploded over a new Peshmerga position, injuring two fighters.”

Masoud Boti, deputy director of Amedi district health, confirmed the injuries to 964media. “Their wounds are not serious, but they were transferred to Azadi Hospital in Dohuk for treatment,” he said.

Faiq Blavai, a resident of the village, told 964media, “For two days now, our village’s surroundings have been burning continuously. Today, a drone circled above and exploded over a Peshmerga position, injuring two fighters.”

He added that the drone activity has caused fear and distress among villagers.

During a press conference in Duhok, Kurdistan Region Interior Minister Reber Ahmed said, “It is regrettable that this issue continues to resurface. These acts target the forces responsible for maintaining security in the Amedi area and throughout Duhok governorate. A clear boundary must be set to prevent such destructive actions from recurring and to protect the security and stability of these regions.”

On Monday evening, a drone targeted the same area as Peshmerga forces were positioning at a new post in Blava. That strike injured three fighters.

At the time, Boti told 964media, “The injured were taken to the hospital, and their condition is stable. One fighter was struck in the back by shrapnel, another in the jaw, and neither required surgery.”

This article has been updated to include the Kurdistan Region Security Council statement and comments by Reber Ahmed