What's happened
On Nov 26, a drone strike hit the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan region, operated by Dana Gas, causing a major fire and halting gas supplies that power over 80% of the region. The attack led to widespread power outages and a joint Iraqi-Kurdish investigation. The U.S. blamed Iran-backed militias. Operations resumed by Dec 1 after an agreement to restore supplies.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Energy Targeting
The Khor Mor gas field attack is part of a broader pattern of assaults on Kurdish and U.S.-linked energy assets in Iraq, reflecting the ongoing proxy struggle between Iran-backed militias and U.S. interests. The strike's timing and scale indicate a deliberate attempt to destabilize the Kurdistan region's power supply and undermine its economic stability.
U.S. and Iraqi-Kurdish Dynamics
The U.S. has intensified diplomatic and military engagement in Kurdistan, exemplified by the opening of a major consulate and pressure on Baghdad to reopen export pipelines. This attack challenges those efforts, highlighting the fragile security environment and the contested influence between Washington and Tehran in Iraq.
Political Implications
The joint Iraqi-Kurdish investigation and public condemnations signal a rare moment of cooperation amid political tensions. However, the temporary nature of agreements and the unresolved militia presence suggest ongoing risks to energy infrastructure and regional stability.
Forecast
Energy infrastructure in Kurdistan will remain a flashpoint. Without decisive action against militias, attacks will likely continue, threatening Iraq's energy output and regional power balance. The U.S. will probably escalate diplomatic and possibly economic pressure on Baghdad to secure these assets, while Iran-backed groups may seek to counterbalance by further destabilizing the region.
What the papers say
Reuters detailed the U.S. pressure campaign following earlier drone attacks on Kurdistan's oilfields, highlighting Washington's strategic interest in securing energy exports and countering Iranian influence. Ahmed Rasheed noted that nearly half of Kurdistan's oil production was halted, prompting U.S. threats of sanctions to reopen pipelines.
AP News covered the inauguration of the new U.S. consulate in Erbil, emphasizing America's commitment to a "sovereign, secure and prosperous Iraq" and its call to dismantle Iran-aligned militias, with Deputy Secretary Michael Rigas urging both Baghdad and Erbil to act.
The New Arab and Reuters provided comprehensive coverage of the Khor Mor gas field attack, describing the missile strike's impact on power outages and the joint Iraqi-Kurdish investigation. They quoted Kurdish leaders like Masrour Barzani calling for accountability and U.S. envoy Mark Savaya blaming "armed groups operating illegally and driven by hostile foreign agendas."
The New York Times highlighted the suspected involvement of Iran-backed militias, noting their history of targeting U.S. interests and the complex political dynamics within Iraq. The Times of Israel and Al Jazeera added details on the attack's timing, damage, and the broader security context.
Together, these sources illustrate a multifaceted conflict involving energy security, regional power struggles, and international diplomacy, with the U.S. and Iran vying for influence through proxy groups and economic leverage.
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 Iran-backed militias amid tensions between Baghdad, Erbil, and Tehran. The U.S. supports Kurdistan's energy sector and pressures Iraq to secure infrastructure.
Go deeper
- Who is responsible for the Khor Mor gas field attack?
- How is the U.S. involved in Iraq's energy security?
- What impact does this attack have on Iraq's power supply?
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.
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