ALBAWABA- A pair of explosions rocked the northern Iraqi city of Erbil late Thursday, including one near the U.S. Consulate, in what authorities suspect were coordinated drone attacks.
Air raid sirens reportedly sounded continuously at the consulate, and Iraqi security forces have since cordoned off roads leading to the site.
Security sources confirmed that two drones struck separate locations: one near the Ghazna area behind Erbil International Airport, and another near the Sipiran district. Video footage circulating online shows smoke rising from the targeted areas, with first responders rushing to secure the scenes.
This latest attack comes just days after a similar drone assault in Iraq, which was reportedly claimed by Iran-linked armed factions affiliated with Hezbollah in Iraq.
The groups claimed the strikes were in retaliation for an earlier drone and missile attack on radar and military infrastructure in Iraq, an attack allegedly carried out by Israel-linked operatives from within Iraqi territory.
The renewed violence has fueled concerns of escalating proxy conflict in Iraq, with the U.S. military presence remaining a flashpoint.
In a recent statement, the Commander of U.S. Central Command reaffirmed that American forces are “the cornerstone of regional partnerships” and remain “prepared to defend U.S. interests and partners” in the Middle East.
