Background
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has hosted several U.S. military bases and installations since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Between 2020–2021 and again in 2025–2026, the United States undertook withdrawal processes from Iraq. During these phases, U.S. forces were not withdrawn from the Kurdistan Region but instead redeployed there, [5] including troops relocated from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, leading to a significant concentration of U.S. personnel and equipment in the region. [6]
Iran has previously attacked the Kurdistan Region under the pretext of targeting "Mossad headquarters," including during the 2022 Erbil missile attacks and strikes in 2024. [7] Meanwhile, its allied Shi'ite militias, operating in areas between federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, have repeatedly attacked U.S. bases in the past. [8] [9] In 2025, a Shi'ite militia drone strike hit the Khor Mor gas field, causing a massive fire and highlighted the autonomous region's need for improved air defense systems. [9]
The Kurdistan Region also hosts several Iranian Kurdish opposition parties in exile. These groups have previously launched cross-border attacks into Iran and have themselves been targeted by Iranian drone and missile strikes, including in 2018 and 2022. [10] United under the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan, they stated during the 2025–2026 Iranian protests that they would seek to help topple the Iranian regime and assume authority in Iranian Kurdistan in the event of U.S. military action. [11] [12]
Incidents
Following the joint Israeli–U.S. strikes, the Kurdistan Region, especially its capital, Erbil, was targeted. Repeated explosions, air-raid sirens, and interceptions could at times be heard for more than two hours straight and were notably more sustained in intensity than previous strikes on the Kurdistan Region. [9] In the first three days, Erbil alone was targeted by more than 70 missiles and drones, however, U.S. air defense systems in the region intercepted the majority of them, resulting in little to no damage. [9] [13]
Prominent sites targeted included Erbil International Airport, where U.S. forces of the International Coalition against ISIS are based, [14] and the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil, which opened in late 2025 and is the largest U.S. consulate in the world. [15] Outside of Erbil, U.S. forces were also targeted at the Harir Air Base. [16]
The attacks also targeted the headquarters of the 11th Brigade of the Peshmerga, located near the Degala subdistrict in Erbil Governorate, [17] [18] [19] and the headquarters of the Peshmerga's Unit 70 Command, affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The attacks resulted in the death of one member of the Asayish and the injury of another. [2]
Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate (Sulaymaniyah City, [20] Zargwez area, [21] and Dukan district [22] ), and Erbil Governorate (Pirde, [23] Koya district, [24] Gomaspan, [24] Khabat District [22] ) including the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), the Komala of the Toilers of Kurdistan, the Organization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle, and the Komala Kurdistan's Organization of the Communist Party of Iran (CPI) were targeted as well. [22] [21] On 3 March, strikes on PDKI bases intensified, resulting in the minor injury of one member. [25] [26] [27]
Other targets included civilian areas in Soran District, Shaqlawa District, [22] civilian infrastructure, like hotels, [28] [29] energy infrastructure, [9] and telecommunications and weather stations on Mount Korek [30] [31] and Mount Zamnako. In Duhok governorate the Chamanke oil fields were targeted by two drones. [22]
The pro-Iran Shi'ite militia groups, Saraya Awliya al-Dam, [32] the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, [33] and Ashab al-Kahf, [29] claimed responsibility for some of the attacks.
Response
In a precautionary step, the Khor Mor gas field halted gas supplies to power stations in the Kurdistan Region over fears of being targeted by strikes, leading to electricity blackouts. [13]
In response to the targeting of one of its military bases, the Peshmerga warned that "the continuation of these terrorist acts will not go unanswered." [18]
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) subsequently suspended official working hours in all schools, universities, and institutes across the region from 1 to 4 March. The Counter Terrorism Department also urged residents to seek shelter when air-raid sirens are heard. [13]
According to Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with leaders of the Kurdistan Region's two main parties, Masoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani, a day after the bombing campaign began, discussing what were described as "sensitive" topics. [34]
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