Erbil Airport Suspends Flights After Drone Attacks; Four Drones Intercepted Near US Consulate

Erbil International Airport temporarily suspended all arriving and departing flights on Tuesday evening after a series of drone attacks struck the city and its airspace, airport authorities said.

Airport director Ahmed Hoshyar told dpa the halt was prompted by "a wave of attacks targeting the city of Erbil and its skies." He said the suspension is a temporary safety measure and that "flights will resume as normal once the security situation returns to normal."

Meanwhile, a security source in Erbil said air-defence systems protecting the US consulate in the capital of Iraq's Kurdistan Region intercepted four drones that were attempting to target the compound. The source, who requested anonymity, told dpa the drones were shot down before reaching their targets.

Local security authorities have launched an investigation but have not yet released further details on the origin of the drones, any damage, or possible casualties.

Key Details

• Erbil International Airport paused all arrivals and departures Tuesday evening as a precaution.
• Air-defence systems intercepted and destroyed four drones, including one reportedly aimed at the US consulate.
• The airport suspension is described as temporary and will be lifted once authorities confirm the security situation is stable.
• Investigations by security forces are ongoing; officials have provided limited information so far.

Officials emphasized the flight suspension is a precautionary measure while authorities assess and secure the airspace.

We will update this article as more information becomes available.