Explosions at three oil fields in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region earlier today were caused by drone strikes, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has said, the latest in a wave of attacks on energy infrastructure in the region this week.
The KRG's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) said the attacks targeted the Tawke, Peshkabir, and Ain Sifni oil fields.
"Although the attacks did not result in any casualties, they caused significant damage to the infrastructure of the fields," MNR said.
Norwegian independent DNO said operations at its Tawke license have been temporarily suspended following three explosions. One involved a small storage tank at Tawke, and another involved surface processing equipment at Peshkabir.
"There have been no injuries. The damage assessment is underway, and the company expects to restart production once the assessment is completed," DNO said. DNO's reported output from the Kurdistan region averaged 61,600 b/d of oil equivalent (boe/d) in the first quarter of this year.
Kurdistan counter-terrorism forces also reported an explosive-laden drone targeted US firm Hunt Oil's facility in Baadre, located in the Sheikhan district of Duhok province. Hunt Oil's output from the Ain Sifni field averages around 12,500 boe/d.
UK-listed Gulf Keystone said it had shut in its Shaikan field as a precaution, although the field was not hit.
These incidents follow a string of similar attacks in recent days.
US independent HKN Energy on 15 July confirmed an explosion at one of its production facilities in the Sarsang oil field, suspending operations. The field was producing around 30,000 b/d, according to Argus assessments. Kurdistan counter-terrorism forces also reported that two explosive drones struck the Khurmala field on 14 July. Argus assesses current production at Khurmala at around 100,000 b/d.
No-one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but in the first public accusation from a senior Kurdistan official, former Iraqi foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari said Wilaya-aligned factions — militia loyal to Iran — were behind the strikes.
"Over the past days, these factions have bombed several oil facilities and the airports of Sulaymaniyah and Erbil using explosive-laden drones, causing material damage," Zebari said. "This is a blatant act of aggression against us by lawless, non-state forces."
The attacks come as tensions between Erbil and Baghdad continue over the federal government's halt of salary payments to KRG public servants and the prolonged suspension of oil exports through Turkey's Ceyhan port.
However, both sides are reportedly close to a breakthrough in negotiations that could allow for the resumption of exports and a resolution to the salary dispute.
