29/03/2026
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29/03/2026
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IRBIL, Mar 29: Hours of explosions and air defense interceptions echoed across Irbil overnight on Saturday, as drones were shot down while attempting to strike the U.S. consulate and nearby military installations in the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region.
Journalists on the ground reported sustained blasts throughout the night, describing one of the most intense waves of attacks since the conflict began. At least one drone was seen heading toward American facilities before being intercepted.
The surge in attacks comes amid an escalation by Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, which have increasingly targeted U.S. bases in recent weeks, including locations in Irbil.
In a statement, the United States condemned what it described as “despicable terrorist attacks” carried out by Iran-backed groups. Washington also denounced a separate strike earlier on Saturday targeting the residence of Kurdish regional President Nechirvan Barzani, calling it “a direct assault on Iraq’s sovereignty, stability and unity.”
Officials said the attack on Barzani’s residence caused material damage but no casualties, as the property was unoccupied at the time.