On July 15, a drone strike struck the Sarsang oil field, operated by U.S.-based HKN Energy in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region (Dohuk province). The explosion triggered a fire at one of the production facilities, leading to an immediate suspension of operations and deployment of emergency crews to contain the blaze. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and all personnel were safely evacuated.
This attack is the most recent in a series of drone assaults targeting energy infrastructure in northern Iraq. Just a day earlier, two drones hit the Khurmala oil field near Irbil, and another drone was intercepted near Erbil airport home to U.S. troops causing material damage. The Kurdistan Regional Government has condemned these strikes as “acts of terrorism,” and blamed Iran-allied militias, although the federal Iraqi army has called for hard evidence before assigning responsibility.
The U.S. embassy in Baghdad also voiced strong condemnation, urging Iraqi authorities to protect critical energy assets, particularly those involving international investment. The incident has further strained relations between the Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, amid grievances over oil exports and interstate conflict.
