Air defenses in Erbil intercept four drones, no casualties reported

ERBIL, Iraq — Air defense systems in Erbil, capital of the Kurdistan Region, intercepted four unmanned aerial vehicles over the city on Wednesday, local sources said, after several loud explosions were heard across different parts of the city. Residents reported brief unease following the blasts, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported. The explosions were heard in succession during the day, with the sound audible from multiple neighborhoods, according to local accounts. The incidents are believed to have resulted from air defense systems engaging the drones over Erbil's airspace, though no official statement has yet been issued on the cause of the incident or the type of defense system used. Erbil's airspace has periodically faced drone attacks and interceptions, and the city is protected by active air defense lines against such threats. Officials are expected to release a formal statement on the incident in the coming hours. No further details were immediately available.