Drone attack reported near US Consulate in Erbil

ERBIL, Iraq — Multiple explosions were heard near the US Consulate in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq, on Wednesday, with air defense systems activated in response, according to AFP correspondents. The source of the attack had not been claimed by any group, and no immediate information was given on casualties or damage. It was also not immediately clear whether the consulate compound or surrounding facilities were directly hit. The US Embassy in Baghdad and the consulate in Erbil have previously been targeted by drone and rocket attacks attributed to Iran-backed militia groups. Similar strikes in the region have raised concerns about the security of bases hosting US forces. Iraqi security units were reported to be examining the site. No official statement had been issued as of publication.