Erbil, capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, has faced repeated drone attacks that US air-defence systems have intercepted, raising alarm near a major US consulate. Pro-Iran Iraqi groups have claimed strikes and warned of a prolonged campaign, with Kataeb Hezbollah denouncing any American presence. The Khor Mor gas complex (run by Dana Gas) suspended supplies to power stations, causing renewed outages, panic-buying and further disruption to daily life.
Erbil Under Fire: Drones Intercepted and Power Cuts Spark Civilian Fears Near US Consulate
Air defences have shooting down drone attacks above Erbil in Iraq (Shvan HARKI)(Shvan HARKI/AFP/AFP)
As swarms of drones filled the skies above Erbil and air-defence batteries rose to intercept them, residents watched anxiously from below, fearing the conflict could reach their neighbourhoods.
Escalation Near US Presence
Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region hosts US-led coalition forces and Erbil is home to a major US consulate complex, making the city a potential target after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. For several days, loud booms have echoed across Erbil as US air-defence systems repeatedly shot down incoming drones.
Claims And Warnings
Regional groups aligned with Iran have joined the confrontation to defend the Islamic Republic. Several Iraqi armed factions have said they will not remain neutral and have claimed responsibility for drone strikes against US bases inside Iraq. The powerful Kataeb Hezbollah faction warned it would not tolerate any American presence in the region and specifically cautioned Kurdistan authorities against "conspiring with the enemy forces."
Voices From The City
"The United States and its allies did well with this effective air defence system. Without it, the situation in Erbil would be catastrophic. May God grant them success and let them continue,"
said Karwan Salim, a 35-year-old daily labourer watching the skies. Shopkeeper Abdul Rahman Ismail, 72, said residents are afraid to leave their homes, especially at night. "People are terrified... and panic-buying everything," he said.
Nurse Salar Burhan, 27, described drone alerts as an everyday fear and expressed concern about a wider escalation: "We don't know why they're dragging us into this war."
Power Cuts Deepen Hardship
Beyond the aerial threat, Erbil residents are facing renewed electricity outages. The city had recently enjoyed uninterrupted, 24-hour power after years of reliance on private generators. But the Khor Mor gas complex — which supplies most of Kurdistan's power plants and is operated by the Emirati company Dana Gas — suspended deliveries to regional power stations as a precaution following the attacks. The complex has been hit in previous attacks blamed on pro-Iran Iraqi groups.
"Without electricity, there is no business," said shopkeeper Khalid Ahmed, 70, who now keeps his shop open with a small battery lamp. Media Aziz, 37, said families are stocking perishables but worry food will spoil during outages: "We can cope with everything but without electricity, life becomes difficult."
Safety Measures And Outlook
Erbil's civil defence has issued guidance advising residents what to do if missile fragments or burning ordnance fall near homes, and local authorities are monitoring the security situation closely. While US defences have intercepted many drones so far, residents and officials warn that the situation remains volatile and the humanitarian and economic impacts of prolonged disruptions — especially to power supplies — could be severe.
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