Explosive drones target US base in Iraq’s Irbil

war widens | Five drones intercepted over city hosting US forces; Bahrain, Iranian military sites also come under attack

Irbil (Iraq): Explosive-laden drones targeted the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, where US forces are stationed, on Friday as fighting between the US and Iran intensified across the region. US-led forces intercepted and shot down five drones over Irbil, security officials in northern Iraq said. “Fortunately, the incident caused no casualties or damage,” they added.

At least seven explosions were heard across the city, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Plumes of black smoke were seen rising near or inside a military base at Irbil airport that hosts US troops. Flights continued as normal, the state-run Iraqi News Agency reported. US military officials in Iraq did not comment.

The latest escalation comes after the US military completed its 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran. Over the past week, Washington has intensified attacks while Tehran has struck ships in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted US assets and allies in the region. Iran’s health ministry said 55 people have been killed and more than 600 injured in recent strikes.

The US previously maintained 2,500 troops in Iraq to train local forces and conduct operations against the Islamic State group. Although many have since withdrawn, a smaller contingent of military advisers remains, with many based in Irbil.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard urged people in neighbouring countries to stay away from bases hosting American troops and appealed for information on their locations, according to a statement broadcast on state television. Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, said it intercepted and shot down Iranian aerial attacks on Friday. It did not report any casualties or damage.

Overnight, US strikes hit a naval base used by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in northern Iran, according to the semi-official Fars and ISNA news agencies. Blasts were also reported on Qeshm Island, which hosts Iranian naval assets including drone boats, and in Isfahan, home to a major air base and one of Iran’s nuclear sites. 

Further strikes were reported in Khuzestan and Fars provinces. The International Maritime Organisation said at least 6,000 mariners remain stranded on about 400 vessels around the strait.

—AP

Indian vessel comes under attack near Hormuz strait

Merchant vessel Disha, carrying 30 crew members, reported comi­ng under attack by “unknown missiles” near the eastern entrance to the Strait of Hormuz on Friday and issued a distress call seeking immediate aid.

Audio recordings obtained by Xinhua captured the vessel reporting the attack after an earlier radio warning, identified by a seafarer as coming from a US military operator, instructed a merchant ship not to continue towards Iranian waters and threatened to fire at its engine room.

The attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where maritime traffic around the strait faces increasing security risks. Authorities did not immediately confirm the attack or identify those responsible for the strike.