US-led coalition downs 8 drones over Erbil, Kurdish counter-terrorism unit says

ERBIL, Iraq — The US-led international coalition intercepted and downed eight explosive-laden drones over Erbil on Wednesday, the Kurdistan Region's Counter-Terrorism Directorate said. No casualties or injuries were reported. The statement said the air defense operation was carried out using coalition systems and came amid heightened regional tensions. The drone interceptions follow a series of reciprocal strikes between the United States and Iran in recent days that have targeted military facilities and bases. Washington has reinforced defensive measures at its Middle East bases, including those in the Kurdistan Region, in response to the escalating conflict. Coalition forces have kept early-warning and preventive mechanisms active against growing threats to their bases in Erbil, according to the counter-terrorism unit. The coalition has not publicly commented on the incident.