Drones Target Irbil as Regional Tensions Escalate

IRBIL- Explosive-laden drones targeted the northern Iraqi city of Irbil on Friday, where U.S. forces are stationed, as regional tensions intensified following days of military exchanges between the United States and Iran.

U.S.-led forces intercepted and shot down five drones over Irbil, according to security officials in northern Iraq. No casualties or damage were reported.

An Associated Press journalist in the city heard at least seven explosions and observed four plumes of black smoke rising from areas near or within the military base at Irbil airport, which hosts U.S. personnel.

Despite the attack, airport operations continued without disruption, Iraq’s state-run news agency reported, citing the airport’s director.

The incident came hours after the U.S. military said it had completed its 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iran. Over the past week, the conflict has widened, with Washington conducting military operations against Iran while Tehran has launched attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted U.S. assets and regional allies.

The United States previously maintained about 2,500 troops in Iraq to train Iraqi forces and support operations against the Daesh group. Although troop numbers have since been reduced, a smaller contingent of military advisers and support personnel remains, many of them based in Irbil.

Separately on Friday, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps urged civilians in neighboring countries to avoid military facilities hosting U.S. forces.

The Guard said it had struck the U.S. base at Udairi in Kuwait, claiming to have destroyed three ammunition and storage facilities. It also said it targeted a watchtower used by the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, claiming it had been damaged.

U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Iranian claims.

Bahrain said its air defenses intercepted and shot down Iranian aerial attacks on Friday but did not provide details on casualties or damage.

The drone attack on Irbil underscores the growing risk of the regional conflict spreading beyond Iran and the Gulf, with U.S. military installations across the Middle East remaining potential targets as hostilities continue.