Iran suspected of drone attacks on Kurdish refugee camps in Iraq

Iran and allied militias have intensified security activities and drone strikes within Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. On the night of October 8, 2026, two explosive-laden drones targeted a camp for Iranian Kurdish refugees in Kawrgosk, located approximately 35 kilometers from Erbil.

The Kurdistan Region’s Counterterrorism Unit confirmed the strike, noting that while no casualties were reported, the attack caused a large fire and significant panic among residents. Kurdish officials suspect Iran was directly responsible, with reports suggesting the drones may have been launched from the Piranshahr area inside Iranian territory.

The strikes targeted facilities housing members and families of opposition groups, including the Organization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle and the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI). These groups are classified as security threats by Tehran. This escalation in surveillance and kinetic activity follows the withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces from Iraq.