What's happened
On Nov 27, a drone strike targeted the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan region, operated by UAE's Dana Gas, causing a major fire and halting gas supplies that power over 80% of the region's electricity. The attack led to widespread power outages and prompted a joint Iraqi-Kurdish investigation. Operations resumed by Nov 30 after an agreement to restore supplies.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Energy Targeting
The drone strike on Khor Mor gas field is part of a broader pattern of attacks targeting Kurdish and U.S.-linked energy assets in Iraq, reflecting the ongoing proxy struggle between Iran-backed militias and U.S. interests. The attack's timing and scale—disrupting 80% of Kurdistan's power—demonstrate a calculated effort to undermine regional stability and economic infrastructure.
Geopolitical Implications
The incident underscores the fragile balance of power in Iraq, where Baghdad navigates between Tehran's influence and Washington's strategic interests. The U.S. response, including diplomatic pressure and threats of sanctions, signals a push to curtail Iranian proxies' sway and protect American investments, such as those by Dana Gas and Hunt Oil.
Risks and Future Outlook
While the swift resumption of operations shows resilience, the temporary nature of the pipeline deal and ongoing militia activity suggest instability will persist. The joint Iraqi-Kurdish investigation and international support may deter future attacks, but the underlying political tensions remain unresolved.
Impact on Regional Energy and Security
The attack highlights vulnerabilities in Iraq's energy infrastructure, with direct consequences for electricity supply and economic stability in Kurdistan and beyond. It also raises concerns about the security of foreign investments and the broader implications for global oil and gas markets amid geopolitical rivalries.
What the papers say
Reuters' Ahmed Rasheed details the broader context of U.S.-Iran tensions influencing attacks on Kurdish oilfields, noting Washington's intensified pressure on Baghdad to reopen export pipelines benefiting U.S. companies. The New Arab reports on the rapid restoration of gas supplies and the joint Iraqi-Kurdish investigation, quoting KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's commitment to accountability and U.S. envoy Mark Savaya's condemnation of "armed groups operating illegally and driven by hostile foreign agendas." AP News and the New York Times provide on-the-ground descriptions of the attack's timing, damage, and political reactions, including calls for decisive legal measures and security cooperation. Al Jazeera and The New Arab emphasize the attack's impact on regional power outages and the history of repeated assaults on Khor Mor, while The Times of Israel connects the incident to broader security concerns involving U.S. interests. Together, these sources illustrate a complex interplay of local, regional, and international forces shaping the security and energy landscape in Iraq's Kurdistan region.
How we got here
Khor Mor is a critical gas field supplying most of Kurdistan's electricity and contributing to Iraq's national grid. The region has faced repeated attacks on energy infrastructure, often linked to pro-Iranian militias amid tensions between Baghdad, Erbil, Tehran, and Washington.
Go deeper
- Who is responsible for the Khor Mor gas field attack?
- How will this attack affect Iraq's energy supply long-term?
- What role is the U.S. playing in protecting Kurdistan's energy infrastructure?
Common question
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How Are Drone Attacks Impacting Iraq’s Energy and Security?
Recent drone strikes on Iraq’s critical infrastructure have raised serious concerns about regional stability, energy security, and ongoing security challenges. These attacks, targeting vital gas fields and power supplies, not only disrupt daily life but also threaten broader geopolitical stability. Below, we explore what happened, who might be behind it, and what it means for Iraq and the region.
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What Are the Impacts of the Drone Attack on Iraq’s Gas Facility?
The recent drone attack on Iraq’s Khor Mor gas field has raised serious concerns about regional security and energy stability. Such attacks not only disrupt power supplies but also threaten the broader geopolitical balance in the Middle East. Curious about who might be behind this attack, how it affects Iraq’s stability, and what steps are next? Read on to find out more.
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Who Is Behind the Drone Attack on Iraq’s Gas Supply?
Recent drone attacks on Iraq’s critical energy infrastructure, especially the Khor Mor gas field, have raised serious questions about who is responsible. These attacks not only disrupt energy supplies but also threaten regional stability. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding these incidents, their impact, and what they mean for Iraq and the wider Middle East.
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What Are the Key Causes of Tensions in the Middle East and Africa Today?
Regional tensions in the Middle East and Africa are complex and multifaceted, driven by political conflicts, elections, and ongoing violence. Understanding the main sources of these tensions can help clarify the current situation and what might happen next. Below, we explore the primary issues fueling instability across these regions and answer common questions about their impact on global security.
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How Do Drone Attacks Threaten Iraq’s Gas Supply?
Recent drone attacks on Iraq’s energy infrastructure, especially the Khor Mor gas field, have raised serious concerns about energy security in the region. These attacks not only disrupt gas supplies but also threaten regional stability and Iraq’s economy. Curious about how these attacks work, who’s behind them, and what they mean for the future? Keep reading for answers to your most pressing questions.
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What Is the Impact of the Attack on Khor Mor Gas Field in Kurdistan?
Recent missile attacks on the Khor Mor gas field in Kurdistan have raised serious concerns about regional security and energy supply. As the region faces ongoing conflicts, many wonder how these incidents affect local power, who might be responsible, and what the future holds for peace and stability. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this critical issue.
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What caused the Kurdistan gas field attack?
The recent drone strike on the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan region has raised serious concerns about regional stability and energy security. Understanding what led to this attack involves exploring the complex interplay of local, regional, and international tensions, especially amid ongoing conflicts involving Iran, the U.S., and Iraqi authorities. Below, we answer key questions about the incident, its impact, and what it means for the future of energy in the region.
More on these topics
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Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest and Syria to the west.
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Dana Gas PJSC is a publicly traded natural gas company, based in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Incorporated and listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in 2005, Dana Gas is the largest non-government owned natural gas company in the Middle...
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Masrour Barzani is a Kurdish politician serving as prime minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq since June 2019. He is also the chancellor of the Kurdistan Region Security Council and a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.