Iraqi Presidency: repeated ‘terrorist attacks’ on oil fields threaten economy and citizen safety

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s presidency condemned the recent drone attacks targeting oil fields in the Kurdistan Region, describing them as a serious threat to national security, economic interests, and public safety.

Two drones struck the Khurmala oil field near Erbil on Monday night, damaging water infrastructure, while a separate attack hit the Sarsang oil field in Duhok early Tuesday, igniting a fire and suspending operations.

In a statement, the presidency said: “The Presidency of the Republic condemns the targeting of the Khurmala oil field in Erbil, the Sarsang field in Duhok, and other areas.”

The statement continued: “The recurrence of these blatant attacks threatens the country’s security and stability, weakens economic foundations, targets the state’s public interests, and endangers the safety of citizens. This requires intensified efforts to protect our economic facilities and to provide a secure environment for investment companies operating in Iraq.”

The presidency urged both the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to “take the necessary and urgent measures to identify the perpetrators and prevent the recurrence of such terrorist attacks that threaten Iraq’s economy and the safety of its citizens.”

Earlier today, the United States condemned the drone strikes targeting key energy infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region and called on Iraq’s federal government to prevent future attacks and hold those responsible accountable.

The Kurdistan Region’s presidency also condemned a string of drone strikes, calling on Iraq’s federal government to take urgent steps to prevent future attacks.