The Prime Minister’s Office strongly condemned the violation of Iraqi airspace over Erbil, calling it a clear breach of the country’s sovereignty. The incident comes as rising regional tensions continue to heighten security concerns across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has strongly condemned a drone attack that violated the airspace over Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, his office said.
The statement comes amid heightened concerns over repeated aerial incursions in northern Iraq, where multiple incidents involving drones targeting areas near Erbil International Airport-which also hosts US military personnel-have been reported in recent months.
According to the prime minister’s office, the latest incident represents a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty and airspace integrity. Al-Zaidi’s condemnation underscores Baghdad’s determination to assert control over its territory and prevent its land or skies from being used as a launchpad for attacks against domestic or regional targets.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the latest drone activity, and details about potential damage or casualties remain limited. However, such incidents frequently raise fears of escalation involving Iran-backed militias, regional rivalries, or cross-border tensions.
Iraq Seeks Balance in Regional Crisis:
Al-Zaidi, who assumed office in 2026 as a relatively young political outsider and businessman, has prioritised strengthening state authority, combating militia influence, and balancing Iraq’s complex relationships with the United States, Iran, and Gulf neighbours.
The Erbil area has been a recurring flashpoint. The airport and surrounding US facilities have faced previous drone and rocket attacks, often linked to broader regional conflicts. Iraqi and Kurdish security forces, alongside US-led coalition defences, have intercepted several threats in the past year.
In his statement, the prime minister’s office emphasised Iraq’s rejection of any use of its territory for aggression against neighbours, echoing previous positions on incidents involving Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Baghdad Slams Erbil Airspace Breach:
The condemnation arrives as Iraq navigates delicate internal dynamics between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Erbil serves as the KRG’s political and economic hub, and security incidents there often strain relations while highlighting gaps in national airspace defence.
Analysts suggest that repeated violations could complicate efforts to stabilise northern Iraq, attract investment, and advance reconciliation between Baghdad and Kurdish authorities.
Al-Zaidi has previously ordered investigations into similar cross-border incidents and pledged joint probes with affected parties to hold perpetrators accountable. It remains unclear whether a formal investigation into the latest Erbil airspace breach has been launched.
As regional volatility persists-from tensions in the Gulf to ongoing conflicts involving non-state actors-Iraq continues to position itself as a stabilising force while guarding against external interference in its sovereign affairs.