Iraq's drone attacks on neighbors and Kurdistan Region intensify with no claimed responsibility

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Suspected drone and ballistic missile attacks launched from Iraqi territory toward neighboring countries have increased in recent months, though official investigations have yet to confirm the origins. Saudi Arabia said on July 21 that it intercepted drones, reportedly taking off from Iraq, that targeted oil facilities in its eastern region and near Riyadh, and asked Baghdad to prevent its territory from being used for such attacks. The Iraqi government announced it had opened an investigation, while the Islamic Resistance group said it had not claimed responsibility for the attacks but warned it would respond to any military action against it. The Kurdistan Region has also faced a surge in drone attacks, particularly in Erbil. The Kurdistan Region Counter-Terrorism Directorate said on July 17 that eight drones had been downed. According to a regional government report, 701 drone strikes and 108 missile attacks hit the region between February 28 and April 20, 2026. Erbil was the hardest-hit city, with 477 attacks that killed 20 people and wounded 123. Baghdad-based security analyst Sarmed al-Bayati noted that armed groups had previously claimed some attacks, but no group has claimed responsibility for the recent operations. Wafa Mohammed, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, said the regional government has shared information and documents on the attacks' launch points with Baghdad, but the investigative committees have not yet announced any results.