ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - A suicide drone hit the Khor Mor gas field in Chamchamal, Sulaymaniyah province on Friday where UAE company Dana Gas is investing, resulting in casualties and injuries among both foreigners and local nationals. The incident triggered widespread condemnation and calls for an investigation from local and international political and diplomatic figures and institutions. Following the strike, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) reported a reduction of 2500 megawatts in power generation, resulting in power shut down in most of Erbil and other areas, but later announced the restoration of 1600 megawatts on Saturday.

The recent attack on the Khor Mor gas field is not an isolated incident; rather, it adds to a series of assaults the field has endured in the past. According to a report by Attaqa website in February of this year, “the field, located in the Qadir Karam district of Chamchamal, Sulaymaniyah province (approximately 300 kilometers north of Baghdad), has been the target of more than six attacks over the past 18 months.”

No party has claimed responsibility for the attack. Nevertheless, the site has been subject to previous attacks, with the latest incident happening on January 25, when Dana Gas company announced a liquid storage tank targeted from a suspected drone attack, in a statement, they said, “Dana Gas (PJSC) informs the market that a liquid storage tank at the Khor Mor facility in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq was struck by a suspected drone on the evening of Thursday, 25 January.”

There are suspicions pointing towards Iran-aligned factions within the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces. In response to earlier strikes, Kurdish Peshmerga forces have retaliated by launching rockets at PMF factions’ positions in Kirkuk province.

The attacks on the Khor Mor gas field have elicited strong condemnation and calls for action from various officials. “We urge the federal government to conduct a thorough investigation, hold the perpetrators accountable, and control armed groups operating outside the law,” stated Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday. President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani also denounced the attack, emphasizing Baghdad's responsibility to prevent such incidents and ensure justice.

I strongly condemn tonight’s terror attack on Khor Mor. My thoughts and condolences are with the four civilians killed, and I wish the wounded a swift recovery. I have instructed the Ministry of Health to provide all necessary support.

— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) April 26, 2024

British Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hitchen echoed these sentiments, condemning the attack as "an attempt to achieve political and economic goals through violence" and stressing "the need for accountability." Additionally, President of Iraq Abdul Latif Rashid condemned the airstrike, urging security agencies to "conduct an urgent investigation into the attack, uncover its circumstances, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice."

In response to the attack, the US Department of State strongly condemned the assault on energy infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, expressing condolences for those lost and urging Iraqi authorities to conduct a full investigation. "We will continue to work with the Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government in support of Iraqi security, stability, and sovereignty," the statement affirmed.

Furthermore, the Ministries of Electricity and Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Region Government announced a decrease in electricity production due to the bombing of the Khor Mor gas field. The loss of 2500 megawatts of electricity was reported on Friday as a result of the targeting of the Khor Mor gas field. Additionally, the mayor of Chamchamal confirmed two foreigners killed and four injured due to the strike on the gas field.

Tragically, the death toll in the drone strike on Chamchamal's Khor Mor gas field has risen to three people, according to the town's mayor. UNAMI also condemned the attack, welcoming an investigation to identify the perpetrators.

We condemn the attack on Khor Mor gas field, which provides electricity to the public in the Kurdistan Region. Our condolences to the families of those killed, and we wish the injured speedy recovery. We welcome investigation to identify and bring the attackers to justice.

— UNAMI (@UNIraq) April 26, 2024