Suspected drone downed near US consulate in Erbil, no damage reported

ERBIL — A suspected drone was shot down early Monday near the new U.S. consulate in Erbil, officials said, in an incident that caused no damage or injuries but heightened public concern amid rising regional tensions.

The device was detected over Erbil’s airspace and downed at approximately 1:41 a.m., reportedly by defense systems guarding the consulate compound. It crashed onto an unfinished construction site nearby, according to local security sources.

A loud noise was heard across parts of the city at the moment of impact, prompting alarm among residents. Footage circulated widely on social media overnight, though no casualties or material damage were reported.

Security officials in Erbil said the city remains stable and that there is no threat to public safety. Authorities have not issued an official statement about the drone’s origin or who may have operated it.

The incident comes amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which has seen missile and drone activity reported across Iraqi, Syrian, Lebanese and Jordanian airspace in recent days.

On Friday, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Iran targeting military and nuclear sites, killing several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded by firing missiles into Israeli territory in a sharp escalation of hostilities.