Drones Target Northern Iraqi City Where U.S. Forces Are Based As U.S.-Iran Fighting Escalates
Explosive drones targeted Irbil in northern Iraq, where a base at the city’s airport hosts US forces, as fighting between the US and Iran continued to escalate across the region. The incident underlines the widening regional risk of the conflict, particularly to countries hosting American forces and to global energy supplies dependent on the Strait of Hormuz.
US-led forces reportedly intercepted five drones over Irbil, with no casualties or damage reported, while Bahrain said it also shot down Iranian aerial attacks. The US military had completed a 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iran; Iran’s Health Ministry said recent strikes had killed 55 people and wounded more than 600. Iran has also targeted shipping routes, while Houthi rebels attacked two Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, increasing pressure on oil transport.
- Drones targeted Irbil, home to US forces, without reported casualties.
- Regional attacks are widening amid continued US strikes on Iran.
- Threats to oil routes raise risks for global energy markets.