Drone Strike on Khor Mor Gas Field Slashes Iraq's Power by 2.8 GW
A drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field in Iraqi Kurdistan has slashed power production by 2.8 GW, triggering an energy emergency.
A targeted drone attack on the critical Khor Mor gas field in the Sulaimaniyah governorate of Iraqi Kurdistan has plunged the region into a severe energy crisis. The explosion caused an immediate disruption in gas supplies, resulting in a massive loss of approximately 2.8 gigawatts (GW) of electricity generation across the national grid.
Major Urban Centres Hit by Power Loss
The sudden shutdown of the Khor Mor facility—one of the largest gas fields in northern Iraq—has cut off the essential fuel supply to thermal power stations. This has directly impacted electricity availability in five major urban hubs:
- Erbil
- Sulaimaniyah
- Bazian
- Chamchamal
- Duhok
Emergency Measures to Prevent Total Blackout
With the regional grid on the brink of collapse, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has activated emergency protocols. Omid Ahmed, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Electricity, stated that the ministry is working tirelessly to prevent a complete blackout.
To keep the region functioning, authorities are pivoting to alternative energy sources. This includes ramping up the operation of hydroelectric power stations at the Dokan and Darbandikhan dams, as well as utilizing stations capable of running on different fuels. These measures are specifically designed to ensure that sensitive and vital infrastructure, such as water stations and hospitals, remains operational.
Security Vacuum and Unclaimed Attack
Kurdish security forces have confirmed the drone strike on the energy installation. However, the situation remains shrouded in mystery as no group has formally claimed responsibility for the assault. Official assessments are still underway to determine the full extent of the structural damage and whether any casualties resulted from the blast.
The Khor Mor field is widely regarded as the primary energy lifeline for the Kurdistan region. Unfortunately, it is not the first time the facility has been targeted; it has faced repeated drone and rocket fire in recent years, leading to frequent and disruptive blackouts.
Political Context: High-Level Talks with Tehran
Interestingly, this security breach occurred while the KRG was engaged in high-level diplomatic discussions. The President of the Kurdistan Regional Government recently hosted an Iranian delegation to discuss cross-border security mechanisms and the preservation of stability in northern Iraq.
According to an official statement from the KRG presidency, the talks focused on:
- The necessity of regional coordination.
- The importance of diplomacy and peaceful solutions to resolve disputes.
- A comprehensive review of existing security agreements signed between Iran, Iraq, and the Kurdish regional authorities.