# Iran-Kurdish drone strikes and regional instability in Iraq > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/irgc-attacks-in-western-iran > Updated: 2026-08-19T23:58:54.000Z. Sources: 86. Developments: 14. The wave of IRGC-linked drone and missile strikes on Peshmerga positions, Kurdish camps, and U.S. facilities in Iraq’s Kurdistan region has expanded significantly. Following earlier strikes in June and July, the security situation has escalated into a broader regional conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran. In mid-July 2026, a series of attacks hit Sulaymaniyah and Erbil. Drone and missile strikes on Komala Party camps near Sulaymaniyah killed nine Kurdish fighters. In Erbil, U.S.-led coalition forces intercepted multiple explosive-laden drones targeting the U.S. consulate and military installations, including Al-Hasir and Al Harir air bases. These strikes caused significant instability, leading to the temporary shutdown of Erbil International Airport. By late July, attacks continued against Kurdish opposition headquarters and a PUK artillery depot in Sulaimani province. Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reported that drones were being launched from areas around Mosul and called for strengthened air defenses. As of August 2026, the KRG reports the region has been targeted more than 1,000 times by missiles and drones since February. This volatility has caused severe economic damage, including an estimated $1.14 billion in losses and a 70 percent decrease in regional trade, impacting the oil and gas sectors. On August 17, 2026, two explosive-laden Hadid-110 drones targeted the private office of KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and the residence of the head of the Parastin security agency in the Pirmam area of Erbil province. Kurdish authorities stated the drones were launched from across the Iranian border, though no casualties were reported. Barzani condemned the strikes as a ‘dangerous escalation’ and an attempt to intimidate the region. Iranian officials rejected involvement, describing the incident as ‘highly suspicious’ and suggesting it could be a ‘false flag’ operation. Barzani has since called for enhanced air defense capabilities, expressing concern over the potential drawdown of U.S. ## Claims - The drone strikes occurred around 12:28 AM local time on Monday, August 17. (disputed by 22 sources) - The attack involved two explosive-laden Hadid-110 drones. (disputed by 16 sources) - Seven drones attacked locations in Erbil, Koya and Daghla on Tuesday. (disputed by 2 sources) - The drone strikes targeted the personal office of the Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister and the residence of the head of the Parastin security agency. (corroborated by 24 sources) - The drone attacks represent a dangerous escalation and an immediate threat to the stability of the Kurdistan Region. (corroborated by 21 sources) - No casualties were reported following the strikes. (corroborated by 20 sources) - Iran rejected the accusation of involvement in the drone strikes, suggesting they could be a false flag operation. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The targets were located in the Pirmam area of Erbil province. (corroborated by 10 sources) - The attacks will not prevent the Kurdistan Regional Government from performing its duties. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered an investigation to determine the origin and perpetrators of the drone attack. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Some attacks targeted headquarters of Kurdish opposition groups opposed to Iran. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said some drones were launched from around Mosul inside Iraq. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Iran has previously carried out missile and drone attacks on the Kurdistan Region. (corroborated by 2 sources) - An unidentified drone struck an artillery storage facility in Sulaimani province, igniting a large fire at a PUK‑affiliated base. (single source) - No group has claimed responsibility for the Sulaimani artillery depot strike. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-19: Kurdistan Region PM seeks enhanced air defense after drone attacks Kurdistan Regional Government PM Masrour Barzani is seeking improved air defenses after drone attacks targeted his office and security officials, citing threats from Iran or Iran-linked militias. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kurdistan-region-pm-seeks-enhanced-air-defense-after-drone-attacks ### 2026-08-17: Kurdistan PM's office targeted in drone attack near Erbil Two drones targeted the office of Kurdistan PM Masrour Barzani and a security official's residence in Erbil. Kurdish authorities blame Iran, while Tehran rejects the claims, suggesting a false flag operation. 45 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iranian-drones-strike-kurdistan-prime-ministers-office ### 2026-08-11: Kurdistan region suffers heavy losses from regional conflict Iraq’s Kurdistan region has suffered over 1,000 missile and drone attacks amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict, resulting in $1.14 billion in estimated losses and a 70 percent drop in regional trade. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kurdistan-region-suffers-heavy-losses-from-regional-conflict ### 2026-07-27: Kurdistan Region of Iraq struck by multiple drone attacks on opposition bases and a military depot Drone strikes on Erbil, Koya, Daghla and a Sulaimani artillery depot caused fires and material damage but no casualties; Kurdish leaders blame launches from near Mosul and call for stronger air defenses. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drone-strikes-target-iranopposition-groups-in-iraqs-kurdistan ### 2026-07-25: US Consulate in Erbil, Iraq Secures Against Explosive Drone Threat A booby‑trapped drone was shot down near the US Consulate in Erbil, Iraq; no casualties. The attack follows a series targeting the city and a Kuwait border crossing amid US‑Iran tensions. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-consulate-in-erbil-iraq-secures-against-explosive-drone-threat ### 2026-07-24: Iran-linked drone attack hits US coalition base at Erbil Airport Iran-linked drones struck Erbil Airport, a U.S. coalition hub in Iraq, on 24 July 2026; coalition forces downed the UAVs with no casualties, heightening regional tensions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-linked-drone-attack-hits-us-coalition-base-at-erbil-airport ### 2026-07-21: Erbil Drone Attacks Lead to Airport Shutdown and Air‑Defense Intercepts Drone attacks over Erbil were intercepted by air‑defences, causing explosions and forcing the airport to suspend all flights; no casualties were reported amid rising Iran‑U.S. tensions. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erbil-intercepts-three-suicide-drones-as-iranian-attacks-target-kurdish-camps ### 2026-07-20: Iraq intercepts explosive drone near Al Harir air base Iraqi forces destroyed an explosive drone near Al Harir air base, causing no casualties; the base houses US troops and the attack is linked to Iran‑backed groups. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraq-intercepts-explosive-drone-near-al-harir-air-base ### 2026-07-19: US diplomatic and military sites in Iraqi Kurdistan targeted by explosive drones Explosive drones were intercepted near the US Al‑Hasir air base and Erbil embassy in Iraq’s Kurdish region, marking the fourth attack in a week and underscoring continued threats despite a recent cease‑fire. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-diplomatic-and-military-sites-in-iraqi-kurdistan-targeted-by-explosive-drones ### 2026-07-17: Iranian drone and missile strike kills nine Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq Iranian drones and rockets struck Kurdish Komala camps in northern Iraq, killing nine fighters and injuring four, amid ongoing cease‑fire violations. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-strikes-kurdish-komala-camp-in-iraq-nine-militants-killed ### 2026-07-17: Iranian drone strikes hit Iraq’s Kurdistan, targeting US consulate and ammo depots Iranian drones and missiles struck Iraq’s Kurdistan region on 17 July, hitting a weapons depot in Tasluja, an ammo warehouse, and approaching the U.S. consulate in Erbil; coalition forces downed eight drones, a 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iranian-kurdish-rebels-killed-in-northern-iraq-by-iranian-drone-and-rocket-strikes ### 2026-07-03: Iran's Revolutionary Guard clashes with Kurdish fighters, six killed Six Kurdish fighters were killed in a clash with Iran's IRGC near Qazqapan, western Iran, close to the Iraqi Kurdish border, as Tehran labels the group terrorist. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irans-revolutionary-guard-clashes-with-kurdish-fighters-six-killed ### 2026-06-30: Two Iranian Revolutionary Guard members killed in western Iran attack Two IRGC members were killed and two wounded in a gun attack on a convoy in Bāow, western Iran; officials called it a terrorist act and opened an investigation. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-iranian-revolutionary-guard-members-killed-in-western-iran-attack ### 2026-06-30: IRGC members killed in terrorist attack near Iran‑Iraq border Two IRGC members were killed and two injured in a shooting labeled a terrorist act in Paveh, Kermanshah province, near the Iran‑Iraq border; perpetrators are unknown. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/irgc-members-killed-in-terrorist-attack-near-iraniraq-border --- Cite as: Iran-Kurdish drone strikes and regional instability in Iraq. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/irgc-attacks-in-western-iran