An Iran-aligned militia group has claimed responsibility for a new drone attack in the Kurdistan Region, signaling a continued escalation in regional tensions linked to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States, and allied forces. The armed faction Ashab al-Kahf said the strike targeted what it described as US interests, warning that further operations could follow.
The group stated that the attack was carried out in response to a recent strike on the Shalamcheh border crossing, a key transit point between Iraq and Iran that facilitates significant movement of people and trade. The crossing was reportedly hit by an airstrike that caused casualties among civilians and disrupted activity along the important route.
Overnight, multiple drones and missiles struck areas across the Kurdistan Region, including locations linked to Iranian Kurdish opposition groups. Explosions were reported in both Erbil and Sulaimani, where camps and headquarters associated with opposition parties were targeted. While several strikes caused structural damage, no casualties were reported in the latest wave of attacks.
Iranian Kurdish political organizations said their facilities have faced repeated attacks in recent weeks. Some sites were evacuated prior to the strikes, reducing the risk of casualties but leaving visible damage to buildings and nearby civilian property. Residents in affected areas reported hearing explosions and the presence of drones and aircraft during the attacks.
Authorities in the Kurdistan Region have strongly condemned the strikes. Masrour Barzani described the attacks as a serious threat to regional stability and called on the federal government in Baghdad to take stronger measures against armed groups operating outside state control.
Since late February, nearly 670 drones and missiles have struck the Kurdistan Region, killing 14 people and injuring 85, as attacks have targeted border crossings, opposition sites, and areas near civilian infrastructure.
