Drone Attack Targets Office of Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in Northern Iraq

ERBIL, Iraq — Two explosive-laden drones launched from across the Iranian border targeted the private office of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the home of a top security official in Erbil early on Monday, August 17, 2026. Security forces confirmed that no casualties were reported in the strikes.

According to a statement released by the Kurdistan Region's Counter-Terrorism Directorate, the attack occurred shortly after midnight at 12:28 a.m. local time. Two "Hadid-110" kamikaze drones hit facilities in the Pirmam district of Erbil province, striking Prime Minister Barzani's private office as well as the residence of the head of the Parastin intelligence agency.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani publicly attributed the attack to Iran following preliminary findings by local counter-terrorism investigators.

"Following an investigation by the Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism Unit, my personal office and the home of the head of the Security and Intelligence Agency were targeted by Iranian drone attacks earlier today," Barzani said in a statement posted on social media platform X. He condemned the strikes in the strongest terms, labeling them "reckless and unacceptable" and describing them as "a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region." Barzani emphasized that such hostility would not deter the government from fulfilling its duties to protect citizens.

The Counter-Terrorism Directorate stated that those behind the launch from Iranian territory bear full responsibility for the consequences of the cross-border aggression.

The incident highlights intensifying regional tensions, as northern Iraq has repeatedly faced cross-border drone and missile strikes targeting diplomatic missions, security infrastructure, and opposition camps. KRG officials have reaffirmed that emergency forces and intelligence teams remain on high alert across the Erbil governorate following the early morning attack.

In the wake of the strike, KRG leadership formally appealed to the Iraqi federal government in Baghdad and international allies for immediate diplomatic and security interventions. Federal officials in Baghdad condemned the violation of Iraqi sovereignty, assuring a joint security investigation with Erbil to fortify border air defenses and prevent further cross-border breaches.