Several drones were shot down on September 24, 2023, near Erbil Airport in northern Iraq, a site where US and international forces, including German soldiers, are stationed. According to a security source, explosions were reported as the drones were intercepted. Debris from the downed drones fell into an area under construction near the airport.
The Kurdish news outlet Rudaw reported that multiple explosions were audible throughout the city. Videos circulating online showed black smoke rising into the sky from the vicinity of the airport, indicating the intensity of the situation. One video reportedly captured the moment a projectile was shot down.
In a statement attributed to the Iraqi pro-Iran militia group, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, the group claimed responsibility for targeting a US base with drones and rockets. The militia asserted that they had conducted 23 operations since the early hours of Sunday, deploying dozens of drones aimed at “enemy bases in Iraq and the region.” This claim was echoed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an alliance of pro-Iranian militias that have increasingly engaged in such actions.
The incidents near Erbil Airport highlight ongoing tensions in the region, particularly involving Iranian-backed groups and US forces. These developments may further complicate the security landscape in Iraq, where various factions continue to assert their influence.
As the situation evolves, it remains crucial to monitor the responses from both Iraqi authorities and international forces stationed in the area.
