Iran attacks US base in Iraq near Erbil, UAE intercepts missiles and drones

Iran war spreads across west Asia (File)

The war in West Asia continues to intensify as Tehran expands its military operations beyond Israel, targeting US assets and regional allies across the Gulf.

In northern Iraq, explosions were reported near Erbil International Airport in the autonomous Kurdistan region after two drones struck a US military facility in the area, according to regional and security sources. The base hosts American troops involved in coalition operations. AFP journalists reported hearing loud blasts and seeing grey smoke rising near the airport, which also hosts a major US consulate complex. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The attack also disrupted energy operations. Kurdistan’s natural resources ministry said oil production at a field operated by US firm HKN Energy in the Sarsang area of Dohuk province was halted following the drone strike. A security source told AFP the attack had been carried out with two drones the previous day.

The Kurdistan region, which hosts US forces, has increasingly been drawn into the wider conflict and has faced repeated drone attacks targeting American bases and interests.

Meanwhile, Gulf states remain on high alert as Iranian missile and drone attacks continue across the region. The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted several incoming threats during the latest wave of attacks, reporting that nine missiles and 109 drones were destroyed before reaching their targets.

Iraq, long a proxy battleground between Washington and Tehran, has said it does not want to be dragged deeper into the conflict. However, several Iran-backed armed groups operating in the country — known collectively as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq — have said they will not remain neutral and have claimed responsibility for dozens of drone attacks on US bases.

(With inputs from AFP)