Eight Drones Shot Down Over Erbil, Iraq
In Erbil, multiple drone incidents unfolded with coalition air defenses intercepting several air threats; eight explosive-laden drones were shot down between 8:53 p.m. and 9:20 p.m., with no injuries or damage reported. A CTD statement echoed that all eight drones were destroyed before reaching targets, and security in Erbil remained calm as flights at Erbil International Airport continued normally. Separately, a Shahed 136 kamikaze drone reportedly breached regional airspace to strike Erbil International Airport, signaling a high-profile escalation against American-led coalition infrastructure and prompting emergency security measures. Another report described a drone exploding near the U.S. Consulate in Erbil, with authorities yet to confirm casualties or extent of damage amid rising U.S.-Iran tensions. Earlier on the same day, three drones were shot down near the U.S. Consulate, intercepted by consulate air defense systems. Taken together, the incidents reflect intensified regional risk to U.S. and coalition facilities in Erbil and surrounding Kurdistan as tension with Iran heats up.
