Iraq vows retaliation after drone strike two military bases

BAGHDAD — Iraq has launched a high-level investigation and pledged retaliation after several explosive-laden drones struck military sites early Tuesday, damaging radar systems at two bases but causing no casualties.

“These treacherous and criminal acts will not go unpunished,” said Sabah Al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. “Our armed forces will remain Iraq’s protective shield, defending our people, land, and sovereignty.”

The drone attacks occurred between 2:15 a.m. and 3:45 a.m., targeting multiple military installations, including Al-Taji Camp north of Baghdad and the Imam Ali Base in Dhi Qar governorate. The strikes inflicted “extensive damage” to radar systems at both locations, Al-Numan said.

“All the sites that were targeted are military positions belonging entirely to Iraqi security forces,” he added. “They are operated and overseen by officers and personnel from our heroic security formations.”

In response, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani ordered the formation of a high-level technical and intelligence committee to investigate the attacks. The panel, composed of representatives from Iraq’s security and intelligence services, is tasked with identifying those responsible and supervising the full results of the inquiry.

The statement noted that Iraqi forces “succeeded in repelling and thwarting all other attempted attacks on four different locations,” intercepting and downing drones before they reached their targets.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. The investigation is ongoing.