The recent Kirkuk missile strikes have alarmed local residents and officials. On Monday night, three missiles struck Kirkuk International Airport. At the same time, another missile hit a home in the city’s Arouba neighborhood. Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the attacks.
The airport administration quickly confirmed the missile impacts. However, they assured the public that the airport remains fully operational. “All sections of the airport, including the civilian flight corridor and other areas, sustained no damage or technical disruptions,” the airport said in a statement. Flights continue to operate as scheduled.
Meanwhile, fires caused by the missile strikes were swiftly controlled. One missile hit a two-story home in Arouba where 11 family members were present. The homeowner, Falah Hassan, told 964media, “We were at home when the missile hit and we were all terrified. Thank God none of us were injured.”
In a separate incident, Kurdish counterterrorism forces reported a drone strike targeting a school in the Bersiv camp. This camp houses internally displaced people in Zakho’s Darkar subdistrict. The drone, reportedly carrying explosives, caused a fire around 12:20 a.m. Tuesday. Civil defense teams extinguished the blaze. Authorities reported no casualties but confirmed material damage.
Additionally, early Tuesday, Baiji refinery officials noticed over 10 unidentified drones flying over the site. Baiji District Commissioner Adil Ahmed said security forces responded with anti-aircraft weapons. Their response forced the drones to retreat without causing harm.
The origin of these drones and their intended targets remain unknown. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the missile or drone attacks. Iraqi authorities continue to investigate the source.
In conclusion, the Kirkuk missile strikes have raised fresh security concerns. Despite no casualties, the incidents underscore the volatile situation in northern Iraq. Local authorities and security forces remain on high alert, working to safeguard critical infrastructure and civilians alike.
