ERBIL, Iraq, Monday, March 2, 2026 (WNP): A reported Iranian drone strike struck an ammunition warehouse at a U.S. military base near Erbil International Airport, triggering secondary explosions and a large fire, Iraqi and regional sources said, in the latest escalation of hostilities across the Middle East.
Plumes of smoke were visible rising above the facility Sunday evening after a barrage of drones — claimed by Iran-aligned militia groups — targeted the base that hosts U.S. and coalition forces stationed in northern Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region.
Local witnesses and video footage circulating on social media showed powerful blasts near the base, followed by a growing blaze that appeared to originate from the ammunition depot area. Secondary explosions — consistent with stored munitions detonating after an initial strike — were also filmed, sending shockwaves across parts of Erbil.
The Saraya Awliya al-Dam, a pro-Iranian Iraqi militia, claimed responsibility for the drone attack in statements circulated online, saying the operation was carried out in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a U.S.–Israeli military strike earlier this week.
There were no immediate reports of casualties among U.S. or coalition personnel, and U.S. Central Command had not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of reporting. Iraqi authorities also did not immediately confirm any injuries or fatalities.
Air defence systems in the region were reported to have engaged several incoming threats, with some projectiles intercepted before reaching ground targets, local sources said.
The Erbil attack comes amid a dramatic escalation across the Middle East after a U.S.–Israeli military operation in Iran reportedly killed Ayatollah Khamenei, prompting widespread retaliation by Iranian and Iran-aligned forces against U.S. military bases and allied positions.
Explosions have also been reported at other U.S. military installations in Iraq, and several Gulf states have experienced missile and drone assaults, leading to temporary airspace closures and heightened security alerts.
The strike on the Erbil base — a key hub for U.S. and coalition forces supporting operations in Iraq and Syria — underscores the widening nature of the conflict and raises concerns about Iraq becoming a new frontline in the broader confrontation. Regional and global leaders have urged restraint to avoid further escalation, but the attack highlights how rapidly tensions have expanded since the weekend’s strikes in Iran.
The situation remains fluid, and international defence officials are expected to issue further briefings as more information becomes available.
