Iraq vows firm action after Kirkuk air base attack

BAGHDAD — A projectile struck Kirkuk Air Base on Wednesday, sparking a fire that technical teams quickly contained without casualties, Iraq’s Defense Ministry said.

The ministry said the base “is a purely Iraqi base” housing Iraqi aircraft squadrons staffed entirely by national pilots and technicians, with no foreign presence — a detail it emphasized to underscore that the strike targeted Iraqi rather than coalition military assets. “Targeting this base represents a direct attack on the capabilities of the Iraqi Army Aviation and threatens to cause major losses to the air system,” the ministry said, warning it will take firm action against any attempts to harm national security and sovereignty.

The strike is the latest in a sustained wave of attacks on military installations across Iraq since the regional war began Feb. 28. PMF positions have been hit across at least seven governorates, killing dozens of fighters in strikes widely attributed to the United States and Israel, neither of which has claimed responsibility. Diplomatic compounds, energy infrastructure and civilian areas have also been repeatedly targeted, with Iraqi authorities condemning each incident and pledging to pursue those responsible.