Two more suspected drones shot down in Erbil as one explodes on impact

ERBIL — Two suspected drones were intercepted and shot down Tuesday evening in the Shamamak subdistrict of Erbil governorate, with one exploding after striking the ground, local sources and security officials said. The incident marks the third drone interception near Erbil in less than 48 hours as the Israel-Iran conflict continues to affect Iraqi airspace.

Residents in the nearby village of Pirdawood reported hearing a loud blast. “The sound was so loud that it shattered windows in our homes,” one resident told 964media. A security source confirmed the explosion was the result of the second drone’s detonation after being brought down.

While authorities have not released an official statement, it is believed the drones were likely intercepted by defense systems deployed to protect the U.S. consulate in Erbil.

On Monday, another drone was shot down near the new U.S. consulate and fell onto an unfinished construction site. That incident caused no injuries but heightened concerns among local residents.

The wave of drone activity coincides with intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, now in its sixth day. Missile and drone operations have been reported across the airspace of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, prompting Iraq to suspend all civilian flights and keep its skies closed, citing active threats and regional security risks.