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Drone attack suspends production at Iraq’s Khor Mor gasfield
A drone attack caused a fire at the Khor Mor gasfield in northern Iraq on Sunday night, suspending production and cutting gas supplies to power stations. The strike left more than 70 per cent of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region without electricity, disrupting essential services and prompting officials to prioritise power for hospitals and water treatment plants.
Officials said the lost generation amounted to between 2,500 and 2,800 megawatts, while security sources estimated the grid’s capacity fell by 70 to 80 per cent. No casualties were reported in an initial assessment, and Iraq’s prime minister ordered a joint investigation; responsibility for the attack remains unclear amid heightened regional tensions.
In short
- Drone attack set fire to Khor Mor and halted gas production.
- More than 70 per cent of the Kurdish region lost power.
- Officials report no casualties and are investigating responsibility.
Explained simply
Khor Mor is a major gasfield in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, in the north of the country. It supplies gas used to generate electricity, so disruption at the site can affect power supplies well beyond the field itself.
The field is operated by Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum, companies based in the United Arab Emirates. Kurdish regional authorities manage the local electricity system, while Iraq’s federal government oversees national security and has a role in investigating attacks.
The Kurdistan region has its own government but remains part of Iraq. Reliable electricity matters for homes and businesses as well as services such as hospitals and water treatment, and the region’s power supply can be vulnerable when gas production is interrupted.