Khor Mor Drone Attack Sparks International Reaction

Kurdistan 11:04 AM - 2024-04-27

Screenshot from KRG's video of the attack

The United States (U.S.) State Department, the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq، UK Ambassador, the United Nations (U.N.), and the Global Coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) strongly condemned the drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field in Sulaymaniyah, where they called for investigations into the attack and holding the perpetuators accountable. 

On Friday evening, April 26, 2024, two drone strikes occurred at the Khor Mor gas field in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, resulting in the death of four Yemenis and injury of four others. The origin of the drones remains unidentified and an investigation has been launched into the incident.

The foreign diplomats described the attack as an affront to Iraq’s sovereignty

The foreign diplomats described the attack as an affront to Iraq’s sovereignty and called for an investigation to identify and bring the attackers to justice.

Matthew Miller, U.S. State Department Spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday morning, April 27, 2024: "The United States strongly condemns today’s attack on energy infrastructure in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Attacks like this are an affront to Iraq’s sovereignty. We encourage the authorities to investigate and bring to justice those who are responsible. The United States will continue to work with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government in support of Iraqi security, stability, and sovereignty."

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski said on X on: "We strongly condemn tonight’s attack on energy infrastructure in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region and understand workers at the site were killed and injured. We urge Iraqi authorities conduct a full investigation and bring those responsible to justice. We express our condolences for those lost. The U.S. will continue to work with the Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government in support of Iraqi security, stability, and sovereignty."

UK Ambassador to Iraq Stephen Hitchen said on X: "We condemn the attack on the Khor Mor gas field. This is an intolerable attempt to achieve political and economic objectives through violence. Those responsible must be held accountable. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a swift and complete recovery to those who were injured."

The French Embassy said in a statement on Saturday, April 27, 2024: "France strongly condemns yesterday evening's attack on the Khor Mor gas field in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. We offer condolences to the families of the victims and wish a swift recover for the wounded. France expresses solidarity with the authorities in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) and emphasises the need of respecting energy infrastructure, which serves the best interests of all Iraqis."

It added: "France emphasises its support for the Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Governments' efforts for the stability, independence, and sovereignty of Iraq."

Ambassador Seiler said on X: "Condolences to the victims' families of the Khor Mor gas field attack. Wishing a swift recovery to the injured. These attacks target all citizens in KRI and Iraq. They have only one effect: The EU will cooperate even more with Iraq and the KRI on security, stability and reforms."

United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said on X: "We condemn the attack on Khor Mor gas field, which provides electricity to the public in the Kurdistan Region. Our condolences to the families of those killed, and we wish the injured speedy recovery. We welcome investigation to identify and bring the attackers to justice."

The Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (global coalition) said on X: "We strongly condemn the lethal attack on the civilian Khor Mor gas field in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). These acts severely threaten Iraq’s stability and the prosperity of its people."

Khor Mor field has come under rocket attacks several times over the past few years. This is the second attack this year where the first attack occurred on January 25, 2024. As per the information acquired by PUKMEDIA, the attack was directed towards the same location as the previous attack. It resulted in a fire in a gas storage warehouse, leading to the halt of gas production, exports, and electricity generation from the field. Consequently, approximately 2,500 megawatts of electricity were reduced.

Khor Mor is a key gas field operated by the UAE-based Dana Gas in Chamchamal town of Sulaymaniyah Governorate. It provides fuel for Kurdistan Region’s power generation plants. The field was established in 2007 and by supplying gas to the power plants in Chamchamal and Erbil, it produces 67% of Kurdistan Region's electricity.



PUKMEDIA