The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has come under intense bombardment as regional tensions escalate, with nearly 200 attacks attributed to Iran and Iran-backed armed groups in recent days, according to monitoring by the US-based human rights organization Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT).
CPT reported that 196 attacks and bombardments were carried out across the Region. Most of the strikes targeted Erbil, while others hit Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja.
According to data compiled by CPT and monitoring by Rudaw Media Network, the attacks began on February 28, coinciding with the outbreak of a broader confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Casualties and damage
The strikes have resulted in four deaths and 19 injuries. Victims included members of Iranian Kurdish opposition parties and security personnel.
Among those killed were two Peshmerga fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) in Erbil province, one Peshmerga member from the Komala party in Sulaymaniyah, and a security officer working at Erbil International Airport, according to CPT.
Main targets of the attacks
The bombardments have struck a wide range of locations. CPT reported that 43 attacks targeted offices of Kurdish political parties from Iranian Kurdistan, also known as Rojhilat.
Another 58 attacks targeted sites connected to the United States, including the United States Consulate General in Erbil and nearby military facilities.
The remaining 95 attacks hit civilian areas, including residential neighborhoods, hotels, oil facilities, company offices, and Peshmerga headquarters.
Erbil the hardest hit
Erbil province has experienced the vast majority of attacks, with more than 180 drones and missiles recorded in the first ten days of the conflict. Several projectiles landed in residential areas and around the airport, while other strikes were reported in districts such as Degala, Choman, and Soran.
Sulaymaniyah province recorded fewer strikes but still experienced multiple attacks, including several drones targeting the city center. Duhok province saw a smaller number of incidents, including a strike on the Sarsang oil field operated by the US-based HKN Energy, which temporarily halted oil production.
Halabja recorded the fewest attacks, including drone strikes on communication towers used by telecom companies Asiacell and Korek Telecom.
