Air defenses intercept drones targeting US Consulate in Erbil

ERBIL — Air defense systems intercepted and shot down a number of drones aimed at the U.S. Consulate in Erbil on Tuesday evening, producing a loud explosion heard across the city.

No casualties were reported. The interception is the latest in a sustained wave of aerial attacks on Erbil since the war between the United States, Israel and Iran began Saturday.

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said Monday that more than 70 missiles and drones have targeted Erbil alone, with Iran and Iran-aligned Iraqi militias — including groups within the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and Saraya Awliya al-Dam — claiming responsibility for multiple strikes on the U.S. Consulate and Erbil Air Base.